Bryson DeChambeau allegedly threatened to call Trump while arguing Open penalty

Bryson DeChambeau faced a significant two-stroke penalty during the second round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Officials assessed the penalty after determining that DeChambeau illegally improved the line of his swing by stepping on long grass behind his ball. Rules chief referee Grant Moir confirmed the decision, stating that intent did not factor into the ruling.

Reports indicate that DeChambeau did not accept the decision and suggested he would contact Donald Trump to intervene. This comment reportedly occurred during a heated discussion with R&A chief executive Mark Darbon at the tournament scoring area. While DeChambeau frequently golfs with the former president and plays at Trump-owned properties, there is no evidence that a call took place.

The incident follows a separate instance during the World Cup where Folarin Balogun saw a red card suspension rescinded following a conversation between Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. DeChambeau did not speak with mainstream media throughout the duration of the tournament.

Ultimately, the penalty stood and DeChambeau finished the championship in 14th place, six strokes behind the winner, Ryan Fox. Fellow professional Rory McIlroy criticized DeChambeau for his conduct during the event as the situation drew international attention to the rules governing professional golf.