Bryson DeChambeau’s Challenging Masters Start: Hits Fan, Struggles in Bunker
Bryson DeChambeau struggled through a rocky opening round at Augusta National on April 9, 2026. He finished 4-over 76 in the first round of the Masters.
Fan struck by tee shot
On a 180-yard par-3, DeChambeau pulled his tee shot left. The ball struck a spectator in the leg and then bounced back toward the green.
He covered his mouth when he saw the impact. He later located the fan, offered a golf ball and shook hands.
From about 24 yards, DeChambeau chipped to roughly three feet. He made the putt to save par.
Bunker troubles at the 11th
The turning point came at the 11th hole. His approach from the fairway rolled into a greenside bunker.
The first sand shot traveled only three yards. The second attempt failed to advance the ball, and he appeared to miss it.
On his third try he finally cleared the lip. The ball settled about 15 feet from the hole. Two putts later, he carded a triple bogey.
Further struggles and brief recovery
DeChambeau three-putted the 16th for another bogey. That dropped him to four over for the round.
He rebounded with a birdie on 17 after a strong iron from the rough left him eight feet away. He bogeyed the 18th and closed with a 76.
Context and outlook
This performance continues Bryson DeChambeau’s challenging Masters start. He battled both the crowd incident and difficulties escaping sand.
Last year he opened with a 73 and rallied through the weekend. He reached the final round paired with Rory McIlroy and finished tied for fifth.
DeChambeau is scheduled to tee off Friday at 1:20 p.m. ET. Fans can follow updates at Filmogaz.com.
- Event: Masters, Augusta National
- Date: April 9, 2026
- First-round score: 4-over 76
- Incident: Spectator struck on a par-3 and later given a ball
- Major trouble: Triple bogey after three bunker shots on the 11th
- Notable recovery: Birdie on the 17th
- Next tee time: Friday, 1:20 p.m. ET
