Bryson DeChambeau's second round at Royal Birkdale turned into a public relations disaster Friday when the American golfer allegedly invoked Donald Trump's name while fighting a two-stroke penalty with R&A officials.
The penalty itself stemmed from a rules violation on the fifth hole during round two. DeChambeau stood on long grass behind his ball in what officials determined was an attempt to improve his swing line. The infraction cost him two strokes, a decision that sent him tumbling out of contention.
Rather than accept the ruling, DeChambeau launched into a furious argument. He demanded to return to the hole with the R&A's head of governance and a senior referee, insisting the decision be reconsidered. Back at the scoring area, with the situation still unresolved, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon joined the discussion.
It was then that DeChambeau allegedly threatened to call Trump if officials didn't reverse their decision. No evidence suggests the call ever happened. The R&A has remained silent on the Trump connection, which was first reported by the Quadrilateral.
The invocation speaks to DeChambeau's relationship with the president elect. Trump and DeChambeau are in regular contact, and the golfer has been effusive in his praise for Trump's influence on professional golf. At last year's Ryder Cup, the two shared what appeared to be a warm exchange.
DeChambeau's meltdown didn't stop at the altercation. He skipped all mainstream media obligations throughout the tournament. After Saturday's round, he made an unusual beeline for Darbon's office requesting his round two scorecard, a request the R&A chief executive politely declined.
Rory McIlroy weighed in on the controversy, affirming that the penalty was entirely justified. DeChambeau's tied 14th place finish marked his best performance in a major tournament so far in 2026, though hardly the result he'd hoped for after his tussle with officials.
DeChambeau remained in the UK to compete in LIV Golf's event at the JCB Golf and Country Club beginning Thursday.
Author James Rodriguez: "DeChambeau's Trump gambit backfired spectacularly, turning a legitimate rules dispute into a circus that overshadowed what should have been his moment."
Comments