Rory McIlroy Rips Bryson DeChambeau for 2026 Open Penalty

Rory McIlroy spoke openly following his third round at the 2026 Open Championship, criticizing Bryson DeChambeau for his conduct during a rules controversy. McIlroy addressed the incident from Friday evening where DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty for improving his line of play.

McIlroy did not hesitate to label DeChambeau’s behavior as performative and suggested the golfer acted in a way designed to draw attention. The Northern Irishman stated that he does not have a high opinion of DeChambeau personally and expressed frustration with the situation that delayed the tournament for other players, officials, and volunteers.

Regarding the penalty itself, McIlroy supported the decision by the officials. He noted that while golf is a self-policing game and many infractions go unseen because they are not caught on camera, the evidence against DeChambeau was clear enough to warrant the two-shot sanction.

McIlroy maintained that holding up the field while the rules were reviewed did not reflect well on the game. He concluded his comments by emphasizing that when there is definitive proof of a rules violation, as was the case at Royal Birkdale, the consequences are necessary.