The Open: Rory McIlroy claims Bryson DeChambeau 'held the tournament hostage' over 'performative' rules drama delay
Rory McIlroy has criticized Bryson DeChambeau for his behavior during a rules dispute at The Open Championship. DeChambeau was assessed a two-shot penalty for improving his lie in the rough, leading to a lengthy delay that McIlroy described as performative.
Why it matters
High-profile conflicts between top athletes at major sporting events draw significant public attention to the enforcement of rules and professional conduct in golf.
Rory McIlroy has issued a scathing attack on Bryson DeChambeau over his 'performative' behaviour and ‘holding the tournament hostage’ during his rules fiasco at The Open. <p>DeChambeau appeared to have carded a four-under 66 at Royal Birkdale on Friday evening to move within a shot of the halfway lead, only to be involved in a lengthy rules dispute with R&A officials.</p><p>The two-time major champion was adjudged to have improved the line of his swing in long grass at the par-four fifth, <a href="https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/11071/13564533/the-open-bryson-dechambeau-handed-two-shot-penalty-after-controversial-ruling-in-second-round-at-royal-birkdale">resulting in a two-shot penalty and dropping him three strokes behind halfway leader Lucas Herbert</a>.</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/14866/13564623/bryson-dechambeaus-rules-controversy-at-the-open-what-happened-why-was-he-penalised-and-how-did-he-react-to-decision">Bryson DeChambeau's rules controversy explained</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/golf/live-blog/12176/13564322/the-open-2026-third-round-live-latest-updates-highlights-scores-as-bryson-dechambeau-scottie-scheffler-chase-major-win">The Open recap: Third round as it happened</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176/13563608/the-open-2026-leaderboard-latest-golf-scores-from-royal-birkdale-and-weather-tee-times-for-final-mens-major-of-the-year">Latest leaderboard from Royal Birkdale</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.sky.com/tv/sports?dcmp=Ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink">Get Sky Sports</a> or <a href="http://www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink">stream golf with no contract</a></strong></li></ul><widget id="5"></widget><p>DeChambeau returned to the course to contest his decision and continued to defend his case in the recorders area, with the decision not being confirmed…
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in