Bryson DeChambeau was left furious after receiving a two-shot penalty at The Open and, during his argument with officials, requested the assistance of US President Donald Trump. The American golfer was penalized for inadvertently improving his lie on the fifth hole during his second round at Royal Portrush.
DeChambeau's Dispute with R&A Officials
DeChambeau was called to meet with R&A rules chief Grant Moir on Friday evening after the penalty was assessed. He insisted on returning to the hole in question and expressed his anger, even threatening not to play the next day. According to journalist and course architect Geoff Shackelford, DeChambeau specifically asked for Trump's involvement in the dispute.
Trump's Potential Influence
Trump has previously intervened in sporting events, notably contacting FIFA president Gianni Infantino to overturn a red card for US striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. That intervention led to the suspension of the red card, allowing Balogun to play in the quarter-final against Belgium. However, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon confirmed on Saturday that he had not received a call from Trump, stating: “No. I have not received a call from president Trump, and we’ll see what happens from here.”
Reaction from Fellow Golfers
DeChambeau's actions caused delays in announcing tee times for the third round, drawing criticism from Rory McIlroy. McIlroy said: “I think there’s no doubt that he improved the line of his backswing. Whether it was careless or whether it was intentional, I don’t think it matters. Hopefully it was careless but I think the two-shot penalty was justified, for sure.” He added: “I think a lot of it’s performative. I think a lot of it is for attention. To hold the tournament hostage like that and to have all of us, players, volunteers, everyone waiting on him to depart, I didn’t feel like it was a great look.”
DeChambeau's Final Result
DeChambeau finished the tournament in a tie for 14th at four under par after shooting a 72 on Sunday, never threatening the leaders. Trump continues to engage with the R&A, pushing for The Open to return to Turnberry, the course he owns in Ayrshire, which last hosted the major in 2009.
