Bryson DeChambeau faced a spectator shouting 'cheat' as he prepared to putt on the 18th hole during the third round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on Saturday. The incident came a day after he was penalized two shots for improving his lie in the second round.
Fan Outburst and Penalty Controversy
As DeChambeau lined up his putt, a spectator yelled 'Bryson you cheat,' drawing groans and boos from other fans. The majority of the crowd had been supportive of the LIV Golf star, but the outburst highlighted the ongoing controversy surrounding his conduct.
The two-shot penalty was imposed after officials determined DeChambeau had improved the line of his backswing. Rory McIlroy, who has a long-standing feud with DeChambeau, weighed in on the matter, stating: '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.'
McIlroy Criticizes DeChambeau's Actions
McIlroy also criticized DeChambeau for delaying the release of tee times due to the incident. He said: '[It was a] late night for everyone I won't pretend to defend Bryson. I'm not particularly fond of him. I think a lot of it's performative. I think a lot of it's 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 Reaction and Media Avoidance
During the third round, DeChambeau received a roaring reception on the first tee and made light of the rules breach with the crowd. However, on the 18th hole, after the 'cheat' shout, he appeared to react to an earlier comment from the crowd. After scrambling for a bogey, he signed his scorecard and bypassed the waiting media, heading straight to the officials' office. He later returned to the scorer's tent and walked past the mixed zone with his launch monitor, refusing to answer questions. He also avoided the putting green to bypass journalists.
Impact on the Tournament
The controversy has overshadowed parts of The Open, with McIlroy accusing DeChambeau of 'holding the tournament hostage.' The incident has reignited tensions between the two golfers, with fans and commentators divided over the penalty and DeChambeau's behavior. The R&A has not issued further statements beyond the penalty decision.
