Rory McIlroy launches scathing attack over ‘performative’ Bryson DeChambeau antics
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Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy has slammed Bryson DeChambeau for his angry reaction to being awarded a two-shot penalty at the British Open, saying that the American was doing it “for attention”.
PHOTOS: EPA, REUTERS
SOUTHPORT – Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy said on July 18 that Bryson DeChambeau tried to hold the British Open “hostage” and was begging for attention, after the American reacted angrily to being given a two-shot penalty.
DeChambeau thought he had climbed to within one shot of the lead with a birdie-birdie finish to his second round on July 17.
But with darkness descending on the Royal Birkdale course, the American was handed a two-stroke penalty for “inadvertently improving” his lie as he addressed his second shot at the fifth hole.
DeChambeau, 32, appeared to trample down long grass as he addressed his ball for a practice swing.
The two-time US Open champion travelled back to the site of the incident with a rules official after completing his round, and Sky Sports reported he had even threatened to withdraw from the tournament.
As a result, there was a delay in the publication of tee times on July 18 for the rest of the field.
“I won’t pretend to be up here and defend Bryson. I’m not particularly fond of him. I think a lot of it’s performative. I think a lot of it’s for attention,” said McIlroy, 37.
“To hold the tournament hostage like that and to have all of us, players, volunteers, everyone waiting on him to depart, I didn’t feel like it was a great look.”
Tournament organisers, the R&A, stressed they did not believe DeChambeau had deliberately cheated but said “even when the action is accidental”, a penalty is applied.
R&A chief executive Mark Darbon defended the decision, which he said in a BBC interview was based on the rules.
“It was an unfortunate decision but really clear-cut from a rules perspective,” he said. “So, obviously, our team discuss it. The final decision sits with our chief referee and we have a responsibility to our championship and to the rest of the field.
“And so, irrespective of which player this affected, it’s the same decision. From a rules perspective, it was clear-cut.”
Added world No. 2 McIlroy: “I was watching it live. I was up in the players lounge watching it with a few other players and as soon as he made the step into the ball, we all sort of looked at each other and we were like, ‘That didn’t seem right’.
“I think there’s no doubt that he improved the line of his backswing. Again, it’s like, whether it was careless or whether it was intentional, I don’t think it matters.
“Hopefully it was careless, but I think the two-shot penalty was justified for sure.”
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was playing alongside DeChambeau at the time of the incident.
In characteristic fashion, the 30-year-old was less keen to make headlines like McIlroy, but hinted he was also uncomfortable with the attitude of his Ryder Cup teammate.
“I do have a ton to say. I haven’t decided exactly what I want to say publicly yet,” he said.
“I do have some thoughts. I just don’t really feel like now is the time or place for me to comment.
“We’re in the middle of a tournament and I’m focused on what I need to do. I need to go out tomorrow and shoot a low round. I’m not really going to expand on it too much.”
The hopes of the world’s top two players of adding to their Major hauls look slim.
Scheffler was at four-under 206 after three rounds, but six shots behind American leader Sam Burns after another disappointing day on the greens with a level-par 70. Burns shot a 65 to sit on 10-under 200.
McIlroy fared better with a 69, but was two shots further back for the tournament at two-under 208. AFP, REUTERS
