Meet Christo Lamprecht, a 22-year-old South African on the cusp of his senior year at Georgia Tech and recently crowned British Amateur champion. Standing at an impressive 6 feet, 8 inches tall, he undoubtedly towers over his competition at the 151st Open Championship.
Lamprecht made a stunning debut at Royal Liverpool, firing an impressive opening round of 5-under 66, marking the lowest score by an amateur to commence an Open since Tom Lewis’ remarkable 65 in 2011 at Royal St. George’s. Among his early successes were a fantastic hole-out birdie from 40 yards on the par-4 14th hole and birdies on all three par-5s. His performance included a total of seven birdies and just two bogeys.
By the midpoint of the first day, Lamprecht held a two-shot lead over fellow Yellow Jacket, Stewart Cink, who had reached 3-under, securing an impressive position in the clubhouse.
Tommy Fleetwood, hailing from the same course that Lamprecht triumphed at during the British Amateur, later surged to join the lead at 5-under.
Reflecting upon his awe-inspiring performance, Lamprecht humbly expressed, “As an amateur, indeed, it is quite astonishing. However, within the depths of my consciousness, it does not surprise me. I perceive myself to be exceedingly critical, and I truly feel that I have merited my presence here. The manner in which I played today justifies my position at the pinnacle of the leaderboard, as of the present moment.”
He went on to say, “It is not a conceited assertion. I merely harbor a profound belief in myself.”
And why shouldn’t he? With impressive numbers like a 141 mph clubhead speed and a 210 mph ball speed, Lamprecht’s power and skill are evident. Even the renowned golfer Bryson DeChambeau noticed, seeking out Lamprecht on the range earlier that week to marvel at the young amateur’s raw power.
Lamprecht chuckled, saying, “He just wished he had my length, I guess. No, I don’t know. Hitting it far is not what I think golf is all about.”
Indeed, Lamprecht isn’t merely a one-dimensional golfer relying solely on his incredible driving distance. Georgia Tech head coach Bruce Heppler emphasizes that Lamprecht possesses excellent skills in chipping and bunker play as well. For instance, during the NCAA Championship a few months ago at Grayhawk’s tight desert layout, Lamprecht faced challenges off the tee and felt confined, but he managed to grind out a closing 66 with his shorter clubs to secure a T-40 individual finish.
In the summer, Lamprecht displayed his talent once more, winning the British Amateur at Hillside, just up the coast from Hoylake, which earned him several major exemptions.
This week marks Lamprecht’s first major appearance and his first world-ranked tournament. At the start, there were some hiccups as he snap-hooked his opening tee shot with a long-iron, but he quickly bounced back, embracing the experience and enjoying every moment of his amateur entry into The Open.
Being a towering presence on the course is characteristic of the Lamprecht lineage. From his father, Christo Sr., who stands at 6 feet, 4 inches (the shortest in five generations), to his great-grandfather, who stood a staggering 7 feet tall, the Lamprecht family is no stranger to towering heights. However, Christo Lamprecht’s feet remain surprisingly ordinary, measuring a U.S. size 13.
As for his golf clubs, Lamprecht has come a long way, having outgrown numerous sets due to his rapid growth during middle and high school. Now, he uses irons and wedges with shafts that are an inch-and-a-half longer than standard. Even Ping’s Scott Sullivan attests that they are the longest wedges he’s ever built for anyone. His driver, measuring 46 inches, adheres to the USGA’s rule change that limits shaft lengths since 2022, yet he still manages to crush the ball with impressive distance.
Beyond his golfing prowess, Lamprecht is known for his “strong personality” but also his compassionate and servant-hearted nature. His coach, Bruce Heppler, highlights Lamprecht’s willingness to help others, even taking care of the smallest tasks to assist fellow players and tournament staff.
Now, with his sights set on making history, Lamprecht aims to become the first amateur winner of The Open since the legendary Bobby Jones in 1930, back at Royal Liverpool. Should he achieve this feat, he would undoubtedly lift the claret jug higher than any amateur or professional before him, etching his name in golfing history.
