R&A official calls DeChambeau's fine 'clear-cut', hears nothing from Trump
The Open Championship was thrown into chaos on Friday night at Royal Birkdale when the R&A informed Bryson DeChambeau after his round that he was being assessed two penalties for improving his lie on the 5th hole.
The incident that took place over the next two hours will be etched in the history of the major tournament. DeChambeau and R&A officials returned to the scene and television cameras caught him gesticulating as his plea fell on deaf ears. He then threatened that he would not continue to play in the tournament if he was stopped by two shots.
After hitting balls in pitch black, DeChambeau eventually left Royal Birkdale and later announced to X that he planned to continue the tournament. The penalty dropped DeChambeau from seven under and one back to five under and three back.
On Saturday, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon reiterated that whether or not DeChambeau intended to improve his lie was not a problem, and there was no doubt it was a fine.
“It was an unfortunate but clear decision in terms of the rules,” Darbon told the BBC. “So, obviously our team has discussed it, the final decision is with our chief referee, and we are responsible for our tournament and the whole field.
“So, no matter which player is affected, it's the same decision. From the perspective of the rules, it was clear.”
DeChambeau's threat to WD from the tournament prevented tee times in the third round from getting out of hand. England's Marco Penge called getting tee times at 11pm “a joke.” Rory McIlroy blasted DeChambeau for his actions after the penalty was assessed.
“I'm not going to pretend I'm up here defending Bryson,” McIlroy said after his third round. “I don't like him very much. I think a lot of it is playing. I think a lot of it deserves attention. To hold the tournament like that, and to have all of us, the players, the volunteers, everyone waiting for him to go, I didn't feel like it was a good look.”
Darbon understood why DeChambeau responded the way he did, as he left the course after finishing his second round with a birdie flurry to move into the lead.
“It's fair to say there were feelings about that, and we'll keep some aspects of that conversation confidential,” Darbon said. “There was some emotion, but I sympathize with that.
“Bryson played a great round of golf, he's in contention for a major championship. He wants to win golf's first title. We were focused on decision and testing.”
Darbon was then asked if he had heard from President Donald Trump about the punishment. DeChambeau and Trump are close, and DeChambeau is the chairman of Trump's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. Since Trump recently called FIFA to request a review of the red card of American men's soccer star Folarin Balogun before the US's Round of 16 match against Belgium, it is fair to wonder if Trump will get involved in this matter as well. FIFA reviewed Balogun's red card and ultimately decided to overturn his one-match suspension, allowing the striker to play.
“No,” said Darbon. “I have not received a call from President Trump and we will see what happens here.”
On Saturday morning, Nick Faldo, who criticized DeChambeau's lack of Open strategy earlier this week, went on Sky Sports and accused DeChambeau of “losing the plot” as he threatened to withdraw from the tournament.
“There is no greater player than the game Jack [Nicklaus]Arnold [Palmer] they're off the course, and the golf is on,” said Faldo. “Tiger [Woods] he has been silent; golf continued.
“When you're done, golf continues. If he disappears tomorrow, we'll say that was difficult, but we'll continue.”
In the end, DeChambeau chose not to withdraw from the protest. He posted a number of pictures on Instagram on Friday night, including two doctored ones showing him floating above fescue at Royal Birkdale. DeChambea's photos accompanied the song Legacy by Pixy with these lyrics playing: “I don't know why you hate me.
Asked about DeChambeau's social media activity after the penalty, Darbon chose not to take aim after the post.
“I think it's presumptuous to suggest what Bryson is trying to say through his posts on social media so it's not my place to comment on that.”
We can leave that to everyone else.
