Royal Birkdale: DeChambeau accused of threatening to call Trump in Open penalty row
Open penalty sparks controversy
Golfer Bryson DeChambeau has been accused of threatening to contact Donald Trump during a dispute with senior R&A officials. The incident occurred on Friday after DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty at The Open. This alleged use of the former US president’s name adds another unusual element to what was already a significant story at the 2026 Open.
DeChambeau was penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving the line of his swing. This happened by standing on long grass behind his ball on Royal Birkdale‘s fifth hole during the second round. The R&A, which organises The Open, stated that DeChambeau’s actions, though accidental, still constituted a rule breach by trampling down knee-high rough.
The 32-year-old American reportedly argued his case vigorously, even insisting on returning to the scene of the incident with the R&A’s head of governance and a senior referee. Upon their return to the tournament scoring area, with the R&A’s decision unchanged, chief executive Mark Darbon joined the discussion.
During this conversation, it is understood that DeChambeau mentioned he would call Trump if the matter was not resolved in his favour. While there is no evidence that such a call actually took place, the claim was first reported by the Quadrilateral. The R&A has not commented on the alleged Trump connection.
Trump maintains regular contact with several high-profile golfers, including DeChambeau. The two had a warm exchange at last year’s Ryder Cup, where DeChambeau had previously stated that Trump would “inspire” the US team at Bethpage. DeChambeau’s representatives have been approached for comment regarding the incident.
Reactions and aftermath
The two-shot penalty moved DeChambeau out of second place. After Saturday’s round, he immediately went to Darbon’s office to request his second-round scorecard, an unusual request that was politely declined by the R&A chief executive. DeChambeau finished six shots behind eventual champion Ryan Fox, securing a tied-14th finish in The Open, which marked his best major tournament result in 2026.
World number one Scottie Scheffler defended DeChambeau, stating he is “definitely not a cheater.” Scheffler, who played with DeChambeau when the incident occurred, noted that while DeChambeau might have been “a touch careless around his ball,” he did not believe anything was done intentionally. Scheffler also suggested that video replay angles might not be entirely conclusive and that the game might need stricter policing of traditions.
In contrast, Rory McIlroy, who admitted he is “not fond of” DeChambeau, asserted there was “no doubt” that DeChambeau had improved his backswing line. McIlroy further accused his rival of holding The Open “hostage” with his actions. Despite the controversy, DeChambeau received a warm reception from the Birkdale crowd during the third round, though there were some isolated shouts inferring he was a “cheat.”
The R&A’s chief executive, Mark Darbon, described the two-shot penalty as a “clear-cut decision from a rules perspective.” Darbon confirmed that he had not received a call from President Trump and reiterated that the decision would have been the same regardless of the player involved. DeChambeau himself did not speak to mainstream media throughout The Open, maintaining his silence for the eighth successive major round.
Continuing the season
DeChambeau’s penalty initially caused some doubt about whether he would continue playing in the tournament, but he later indicated it would “fire” him up for the weekend. His participation in the final rounds avoided a ‘Bryson Slam’ of missing all four majors in a season, ending a run of three consecutive major missed cuts.
Following The Open, DeChambeau remained in the UK to participate in LIV Golf‘s event at the JCB Golf and Country Club. This event is scheduled to begin on Thursday. DeChambeau is not listed for any pre-tournament media appearances at the LIV Golf event.
On social media, DeChambeau reflected on a challenging week, acknowledging “a lot of ups and downs” but expressing pride in his fight. He also extended congratulations to Ryan Fox for his victory. DeChambeau’s association with Trump includes serving on the President’s council on sports, fitness and nutrition, and he made his last White House appearance in May.
Reports suggest DeChambeau sought an intervention similar to one Trump made regarding a red card for US forward Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, which resulted in the player’s one-match ban being suspended. However, Darbon confirmed no call from President Trump was received by the R&A.
DeChambeau is next scheduled to feature at the LIV Golf League event in England, beginning at JCB Golf and Country Club on Thursday.
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Source: theguardian.com
Reuben Castle is the Sports News Writer at News GB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from print into digital sport news. He holds a degree in Journalism from Coventry University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Coventry, he follows the Open Championship and amateur boxing. “Accuracy first; the analysis can follow.”
