DUBLIN, Ohio – Bryson DeChambeau's first shot on the PGA Tour in 55 days was exactly what he wanted to see.
“I hit it down the fairway, I was like, all right, cool,” he said of his opening drive on the first hole in Thursday's first round of The Memorial at Muirfield Village Golf Club. “Still have my game somewhat.”
His spirits remained high through the first 11 holes and he was 1 under heading to the water-protected par-3 12th. But he hit his tee shot into the water, then followed with three bogeys in his final five holes to turn in a 4-over 76, which put him nine shots out of the lead.
But for the most part, DeChambeau's return to the PGA Tour for the first time since he missed the cut in the Masters was a positive sign as he moves on from wrist surgery earlier this year.
“The fact that I was able to enjoy golf again even though I played terrible,” DeChambeau said when asked what he was happiest about. “I know I have a lot of stuff to work on. Just being able to go out there, start to enjoy what this game has given me. It's great seeing the fans out there, supporting me, pushing me on, even when I'm not doing great. Gives me some comfort that it's fun again.