Bryson DeChambeau descended into unprecedented territory during his British Open rules controversy, reportedly threatening to telephone US President Donald Trump in a desperate bid to overturn the two-shot penalty that derailed his championship challenge at Royal Birkdale. The extraordinary gambit ultimately went nowhere, but it underscored just how far the American was prepared to go to reverse a decision he believed unjust.
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DeChambeau was handed the penalty on Friday after tournament officials ruled he had improved the area of his backswing by flattening long grass on the fifth hole. What followed were lengthy, heated discussions with officials during which the 32-year-old American is believed to have hinted at presidential intervention to resolve the dispute in his favour.
Trump precedent exists in sport
DeChambeau’s threat wasn’t entirely without precedent. The two-time major winner serves on President Trump’s council on sports, fitness and nutrition, plays golf regularly with him, and appeared at the White House in May. Their relationship extends beyond ceremonial photo opportunities into genuine friendship, making the threat of a phone call credible rather than farcical.
Crucially, Trump had already demonstrated willingness to intervene in sporting disputes. During the World Cup, the President asked FIFA to review a red card shown to USA forward Folarin Balogun, and football’s world governing body subsequently suspended the player’s one-match ban.
Whether DeChambeau actually made contact with Trump privately remains unknown, but on Saturday R&A chief executive Mark Darbon was asked directly whether the President had been in touch regarding the penalty controversy.
“No, I have not received a call from President Trump,” Darbon told BBC Sport matter-of-factly. “Irrespective of which player this affected, it is the same decision, from a rules perspective it was clear cut.”
Scorecard request denied
DeChambeau’s efforts to reverse or mitigate the penalty didn’t end with threatened presidential intervention. After completing his third round on Saturday, the American visited Darbon’s office where he requested possession of his Friday scorecard, a request that was promptly declined by tournament officials who saw no reason to deviate from standard procedures.
Silent exit from Birkdale
DeChambeau finished the tournament in 14th place, six shots behind champion Ryan Fox, and pointedly refused to speak to waiting media on Sunday despite the traditional obligations facing players at major championships. His silence spoke volumes about his lingering frustration over the penalty that he believed cost him a legitimate shot at the Claret Jug.
Instead, DeChambeau took to Instagram to offer carefully curated reflections that avoided addressing the controversy directly. “A lot of ups and downs this week, to say the least. But I’m proud of the way I fought through it,” he posted. “Thank you to all my supporters for carrying me through. Onwards and upwards from here. Congratulations to Ryan Fox on an incredible win!”
Also read: Fox completes sporting dynasty with British Open triumph
