Bryson improves by 13 shots in Round 2: 'That's links golf'

Hopefully, Bryson DeChambeau didn't make travel plans for Friday night after his opening-round 78 at Royal Portrush.

The two-time major winner rebounded from his dismal start to The Open with a sizzling 6-under 65 in Round 2, flying up the leaderboard and appearing safe to make the cut at the season's final major.

Birdies were the key difference in DeChambeau's 13-shot improvement after he failed to make one in Round 1 for just the second time in his major career. He poured in seven birdies Friday, making history along the way.

What changed in DeChambeau's play overnight? Not much, according to the LIV Golf star.

"I've played the same as I did yesterday. That's links golf for you," DeChambeau told reporters. "I executed pretty much the same shots as I did yesterday. I didn't feel like I played any different. Today, they just kind of went more my way. My wedges were just a fraction better, and that was really it. Made a couple more putts. Just really felt like I was rolling it well today. There wasn't much different. That's why links golf is the way links golf is."

Although DeChambeau didn't point to one area of improvement to get him back on track, his irons were significantly better in his second time around Portrush. After ranking 147th in approach play Thursday, DeChambeau sat first in the field for Round 2.

While there's no question DeChambeau has become one of the world's best golfers, his scientific approach to the game can lead him astray in the unpredictable environments of links golf in the United Kingdom and Ireland. For someone who hits the ball as high and as far as DeChambeau, gearing down and controlling the flight can be challenging - something he doesn't need to worry about most of the season.

"To be a complete golfer, you've got to win over here. That's something I've struggled to do," DeChambeau said. "I've played well at times when it's dry and greens are more consistent in their bounce, and the greens are a little bit better. But when it gets as chaotic as this, with the wind going every which way, flipping on 18 completely, when you're preparing all day for that left-to-right wind off 18, you have to be a complete golfer that pivots on demand."

DeChambeau will enter Saturday sitting at least nine shots off the lead with a host of top players ahead of him. However, Friday's performance should boost his confidence and springboard further improved play on links setups moving forward.