Bryson DeChambeau has been accused of threatening to call Donald Trump during a heated argument with senior R&A officials on Friday after the American golfer was hit with a two-shot penalty at The Open.
Penalty Incident at Royal Birkdale
DeChambeau received the two-stroke penalty for improving the line of his swing by standing on long grass behind his ball on Royal Birkdale's fifth hole during the second round. The 32-year-old vehemently argued his case, insisting on returning to the scene of the incident with the R&A's head of governance and a senior referee. A rules official drove him to the spot to review the situation.
Alleged Trump Reference
Upon returning to the tournament scoring area and finding the R&A unmoved, chief executive Mark Darbon joined the conversation. During this discussion, it is understood DeChambeau said he would phone Trump if the matter was not resolved in his favor. There is no evidence that such a call actually took place. DeChambeau skipped mainstream media duties throughout The Open. The R&A has not commented on the Trump connection, first reported by the Quadrilateral.
DeChambeau's Relationship with Trump
Trump is on regular speaking terms with several of the world's most high-profile golfers, including DeChambeau. At last year's Ryder Cup, the pair shared a warm exchange. DeChambeau had earlier stated that Trump would "inspire" the US at Bethpage. The alleged threat marks the latest bizarre turn in what was already the dominant story of the 2026 Open.
Impact and Aftermath
DeChambeau's penalty, which Rory McIlroy later said was entirely correct, knocked him out of second place. After Saturday's round, DeChambeau headed directly to Darbon's office to request his round two scorecard. The unusual request was politely declined by the R&A chief executive. DeChambeau finished tied-14th, his best result in a major tournament in 2026. He has remained in the UK to play in LIV Golf's event at the JCB Golf and Country Club starting Thursday. DeChambeau's representatives have been approached for comment.
