Bryson calls Kiawah Island 'most difficult' course he's played on TOUR

Bryson DeChambeau may have met his match.

The reigning U.S. Open champion, who tamed a tough Winged Foot for his first major victory, discussed the difficulties of the Kiawah Island's Ocean Course after he shot even par in Round 1 of the PGA Championship - and he didn't hold back.

"This is the most difficult golf course that I've played on Tour, and that is a straight-up fact for me," DeChambeau said, according to ASAP Sports. "That requires a lot of energy."

Although it was not set up for maximum length on Thursday, Kiawah Island is the longest major championship venue ever at 7,876 yards. But what makes Pete Dye's design difficult, according to DeChambeau, has a lot more to do with its positioning on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

"The wind just kicked my butt. It's (hot). Just grinding out there, it takes a lot out of you," DeChambeau said.

The 27-year-old added: "Mentally, you have to show a lot of resolve out there. Mental fortitude to just push on when things aren't going well. Luck isn't going your way, and you aren't getting the best breaks. Hitting a lot of great shots, and things just aren't going your way. You have to be able to step up and say, you know what, it doesn't matter. I'm just going to execute the best shot I (can) right here."

Kiawah Island is playing roughly 2.5 strokes over par midway through Round 1. The scoring average at the 2012 PGA Championship also held at the South Carolina property was 74.6 (2.6 strokes over par).

"It's all up in the air right now," DeChambeau said. "And whoever stays the most patient out there is going to do really well."