‘It’s for attention’: Rory McIlroy slams ‘performative’ Bryson DeChambeau antics after penalty
Rory McIlroy criticized Bryson DeChambeau's behavior at the Open Championship following a two-stroke penalty for improving his lie in the rough. DeChambeau's lengthy dispute with officials and subsequent media circus drew sharp condemnation from McIlroy.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding sportsmanship and the 'performative' nature of modern professional golf.
Rory McIlroy faded from contention at the Open Championship with a zestless third-round of 69 and reserved his firepower for his press conference.
Asked after Saturday’s round for his view on the two-stroke penalty handed to Bryson DeChambeau , McIlroy let loose. He agreed with the R&A’s ruling and then slammed DeChambeau’s “performative” antics for taking the tournament “hostage.” He added, with exquisite understatement, that he isn’t particularly fond of DeChambeau. No kidding.
The American posted a superb second-round 65 on Friday to vault to solo second on the leader board, but was then quickly whisked away in a golf cart by R&A officials. Their destination was the fifth hole, and the spot of rough to where DeChambeau had swiped his drive on the way to a bogey. The American stood accused of improving the line of his swing by trampling down a patch of rough behind his ball.
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