Bryson DeChambeau: Penalty Cost Him Open Championship Contention Bryson DeChambeau claimed he could have secured a major championship victory at the Open Championship last week had he not been penalized two strokes during the tournament at Royal Birkdale. The 32-year-old American, who had positioned himself among the top contenders after a strong start, saw his performance drastically altered by a retrospective penalty handed at the fifth hole. DeChambeau’s second-round score was adjusted from 68 to 72, pushing him from second place on the leaderboard to fifth. DeChambeau’s tournament began promisingly, with a 67 in the first round and a 66 on Friday. However, the penalty for a rules violation at the fifth hole—where he was assessed two strokes—turned a bogey into a triple bogey, significantly impacting his standing. Despite the setback, DeChambeau continued competing, finishing the tournament with a third-round 69 and a final-round 72. He finished four under par, six strokes behind winner Ryan Fox, who claimed his first major title at 10 under par. DeChambeau expressed frustration over the penalty, stating it played a pivotal role in his weekend performance. During a news conference at the LIV Golf UK event at JCB Golf and Country Club, he remarked, “I wish I’d have given it more on Saturday and Sunday; it felt like I could have.” He also highlighted the significance of the penalty, saying, “Two holes and I’m right there for the Claret Jug.” The penalty, which occurred during Friday’s round, was not immediately contested. DeChambeau’s protest came later, and he even threatened to withdraw from the tournament. However, he chose to continue playing, acknowledging the impact of the decision on his chances.#bryson_dechambeau #royal_birkdale #open_championship #ryan_fox #liv_golf_uk

Rory McIlroy Backs Two-Stroke Penalty on Bryson DeChambeau at 2026 Open Rory McIlroy publicly endorsed the two-stroke penalty imposed on Bryson DeChambeau for altering his swing path during the second round of the 2026 Open, calling the decision justified despite the controversy surrounding the ruling. Speaking after his third-round performance, the Northern Irishman described the moment as one of disbelief, emphasizing that the action was clearly visible to fellow players and officials. McIlroy recounted watching the incident live from the players’ lounge, where he and others reacted with confusion as DeChambeau stepped into his ball on the fescue-covered No. 5 hole. “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,’” he said. DeChambeau, who had previously pleaded his case with R&A rules officials after the round, was visibly frustrated by the ruling. The penalty, which reduced his score from 7 under par to 5 under, pushed him out of contention for the final group in the third round. Despite the setback, the two-time U.S. Open champion remained committed to the tournament, spending the evening on the driving range and offering snacks to media members who stayed to cover the event. His social media posts later confirmed his intention to compete through the weekend, though he faced criticism for holding the tournament hostage by threatening to withdraw. McIlroy, while not defending DeChambeau’s actions, acknowledged the broader debate about rule enforcement in golf. He criticized the player’s behavior as performative, suggesting that much of the attention DeChambeau garnered was for show rather than genuine competition. “I think a lot of it’s performative,” McIlroy said.#rory_mcilroy #bryson_dechambeau #r_a #2026_open #players_lounge

McIlroy Calls DeChambeau Penalty at Open 'Pretty Obvious' Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, openly criticized Bryson DeChambeau’s two-stroke penalty at The Open, calling the ruling “pretty obvious” after reviewing the incident on television. The controversy arose when DeChambeau stepped into tall fescue grass around his ball on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, an action deemed to have improved the area of his intended swing. McIlroy, who played alongside DeChambeau in the tournament, described the moment as clearly against the rules, even though other golfers initially gave DeChambeau the benefit of the doubt. McIlroy recounted watching the incident in the players’ lounge, where he and several other golfers exchanged glances upon seeing DeChambeau’s actions. “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,’” he said after his round of 1-under 69 left him at 2 over after 54 holes. The R&A’s ruling confirmed the penalty, with Grant Moir, the governing body’s executive director of governance, stating the rule applies even if the action was accidental. DeChambeau, who believed he had completed a 4-under 66, was not informed of the penalty until after finishing his round. The penalty, which dropped his score from 7 under to 5 under after the second round, was enforced after he and R&A officials returned to the native area right of the fifth fairway. DeChambeau reenacted his swing and passionately argued his case, but the ruling stood. McIlroy emphasized that the penalty was justified regardless of intent, stating, “I think there’s no doubt that he improved the line of his backswing. Whether it was careless or intentional, I don’t think it matters. The two-shot penalty was justified.#rory_mcilroy #bryson_dechambeau #the_open #the_r_a #royal_birkdale_golf_club

Bryson DeChambeau is golf’s media superstar. He’s not talking to the media SOUTHPORT, England — Bryson DeChambeau declined to meet with television or the press after his first round at the Open Championship. An R&A official confirmed that the 32-year-old American would not be speaking to reporters despite shooting one of the rounds of the day at Royal Birkdale. This marked another chapter in a pattern of media silence that began with his first-round 76 at the Masters on April 9, leaving journalists and fans without his usual explanations. The decision to avoid press engagement followed criticism from two prominent golf commentators, Nick Faldo and Brandel Chamblee, who publicly questioned DeChambeau’s tactical approach to the Open. Faldo and Chamblee, both former players, critiqued his strategy during the tournament, suggesting he lacked the adaptability needed to thrive on links courses. DeChambeau’s response, as relayed by the R&A, indicated he had heard the critiques but offered no direct rebuttal. This silence has amplified speculation about his mindset. DeChambeau’s media blackout is part of a broader pattern of avoiding press engagement. Over the past several months, he has largely stayed away from major championship press conferences, despite his high-profile status in the sport. His refusal to speak to the media has drawn attention to the tension between his desire for control and the expectations of public scrutiny. The decision to remain silent at the Open Championship continued a streak of media avoidance that dates back to his first-round 76 at the Masters, with no apparent reason or explanation provided. This pattern has left journalists and fans without access to his usual explanations, deepening the mystery around his actions.#bryson_dechambeau #nick_faldo #royal_birkdale #r_a #brandel_chamblee

Gooch and OKGC Lead After Rd. 2 at LIV Golf Korea as DeChambeau and Crushers GC Lurk Talor Gooch and his OKGC team hold a one-stroke advantage after the second round of LIV Golf Korea in Busan, with Bryson DeChambeau and Crushers GC trailing closely. Gooch, the 2023 LIV Golf Individual Champion, shot a 7-under 63 on Friday to secure the 36-hole lead at 8 under par. Five players are tied for third at 5 under, including Ripper GC Captain Cameron Smith, Torque GC Captain Joaquin Niemann, HyFlyers GC’s Scott Vincent, 4Aces GC’s Thomas Pieters, and Crushers GC’s Charles Howell III. The Asiad Country Club, a shot-maker’s course, proved to be a strong fit for Gooch’s game. His round included eight birdies, starting with a chip-in on the par-4 ninth hole. He birdied six of his last eight holes to surge into the lead, despite acknowledging that his game still feels “not great.” Gooch, who entered the week ranked 29th in points, is projected to move to fifth in the standings with a win. His team, OKGC, is one stroke ahead of Crushers GC, with Ripper GC in third place. DeChambeau, the 18-hole co-leader, shot a 2-under 68 on Friday, relying on his putting to salvage the round. He hit only 8 of 14 fairways and 10 of 18 greens in regulation, admitting his performance “went sideways” compared to the previous day. Despite this, DeChambeau remains in contention, showcasing his ability to compete on courses that favor precision over power. The leaderboard highlights a mix of shot-makers and big hitters. Korean Golf Club’s Doyeob Mun, a newcomer to LIV Golf, is in solo seventh after two rounds, while Sergio Garcia of Fireballs GC is tied for eighth. Mun, the current KPGA Tour points leader, expressed excitement about competing against top-tier players and hopes to capitalize on his opportunity.#bryson_dechambeau #crushers_gc #talor_gooch #okgc #liv_golf_korea

Bryson DeChambeau to Investigate Performance After LIV Golf Korea Second Round Bryson DeChambeau, the two-time U.S. Open champion, has committed to conducting an investigation into his performance following his second round at the LIV Golf Korea tournament. The 32-year-old shot rounds of 65 and 68 to trail the leader by one stroke heading into the weekend. Despite his strong showing, DeChambeau acknowledged challenges in maintaining consistency, particularly with his ball-striking. DeChambeau, who has won twice on the LIV Golf circuit this season, has struggled in major championships, missing the cut at The Masters and the PGA Championship. His recent return to form at LIV Golf Korea has been welcomed as a positive development, especially given his status as the league’s most prominent star. A strong performance in South Korea could significantly boost the tournament’s visibility. However, DeChambeau faces uncertainty regarding his future with LIV Golf. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced plans to withdraw its funding from the league by the end of the season, raising questions about the stability of the organization. Despite this, DeChambeau remains focused on his current tournament. Ahead of the LIV Golf Korea event, DeChambeau made swing adjustments, but he has not yet fully synchronized his game. At the Asiad Country Club, his ball-striking has been inconsistent, with 15 fairways hit out of 28 and 23 greens in regulation out of 36. His driving distance averages 277 yards, though he has relied heavily on 3-woods off the tee. During a media session after his second round, DeChambeau addressed his performance. While pleased with his 68, he admitted to feeling “sideways” in his play.#korea #public_investment_fund #bryson_dechambeau #liv_golf #asian_country_club

Kai Trump Masters phone truth as Donald Trump's granddaughter told she risks ban Kai Trump, the granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, faced speculation about potential consequences for her social media posts during the Masters golf tournament, but the situation was clarified as not violating the course’s rules. The 18-year-old, daughter of Donald Trump’s eldest son Donald Jr., was allowed to attend the event on a practice day, where she walked the grounds, observed the competition, and took photos with golfer Bryson DeChambeau. Her posts, which included a selfie in front of the iconic Amen Corner sign, sparked online debates about whether she risked being banned from Augusta National Golf Club. The controversy stemmed from the club’s strict policy against carrying mobile phones on the grounds. The rules explicitly state that anyone found with a phone will be removed from the course and barred from purchasing tickets. This policy is enforced to maintain the exclusivity and tradition of the event, with press members allowed to use phones only in designated media areas. However, Kai’s situation was distinct: she used a digital camera instead of a phone, meaning her social media activity did not breach the club’s regulations. Club officials confirmed that her presence posed no threat of a ban, as she adhered to the guidelines. The incident drew comparisons to a recent incident involving Mark Calcavecchia, a 1989 Open winner who was ordered to leave Augusta after being caught on his phone. While some social media users speculated that Kai could face similar consequences, the club’s clarification clarified that her actions were within the rules. The distinction between a camera and a phone was critical, as the club’s policy specifically targets mobile devices, not cameras.#donald_trump #kai_trump #bryson_dechambeau #augusta_national_golf_club #butch_harmon

Kai Trump Soaks in Masters Magic, Poses with Bryson DeChambeau at Augusta The 18-year-old golfer, Kai Trump, made her debut at the 90th Masters Tournament, where she posed with Bryson DeChambeau and shared her excitement on Instagram. “What a special place,” she wrote, reflecting on the historic setting of Augusta National Golf Club. Kai, a senior at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has taken a hiatus from competitive golf following left wrist surgery in January. The procedure was aimed at addressing injuries to the stabilizing tissues of her ECU tendon and damage to her fibrocartilage complex, as detailed in her social media posts. She plans to resume practicing in May, signaling her intent to return to the sport. Kai is set to begin her freshman year at the University of Miami in August, where she aims to build a foundation for her future in professional golf. Her long-term goal includes earning her LPGA card, a dream she has pursued since her early days in the sport. Last fall, she made her LPGA debut at The Annika Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, where her performance surprised many. Despite a lack of junior golf records to compare her to, a sports book had set her over/under for Round 1 at 92.5. On Friday at Pelican, Kai showcased her potential with four birdies, including a near ace on the par-3 12th hole, which she achieved with a tight draw. Her father, Allan Kournikova, a longtime family friend and the brother of tennis legend Anna Kournikova, served as her caddie during the event. Kai’s family background adds an intriguing layer to her story. She is the daughter of Donald Trump Jr., the former presidential son, and Vanessa Trump, who are divorced.#kai_trump #bryson_dechambeau #augusta_national_golf_club #vanessa_trump #the_annika_driven_by_gainbridge

Matt Fitzpatrick’s performance at the Players Championship last weekend highlighted his resurgence as a top contender in the majors, with his partnership at Sawgrass offering a glimpse of his potential in 2026. While Cameron Young’s victory marked a significant milestone in his career, Fitzpatrick’s steady play under pressure underscored why he remains a key figure to watch. Fitzpatrick’s journey to the PGA Championship in May was marked by a mix of challenges and breakthroughs. After a lackluster 2025 season, including a 85th-world ranking and limited top-10 finishes, he clawed his way back through key tournaments. A tied-eighth at Quail Hollow and a top-10 at the Rocket Classic in June reignited his confidence, setting the stage for his Ryder Cup campaign. His selection for Europe’s team, following strong showings at the Scottish Open and The Open Championship, signaled his return to form. At the Ryder Cup, Fitzpatrick’s resilience shone through. Despite a tough foursomes match against Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, he held his composure in the Sunday singles against Bryson DeChambeau, securing a crucial half point for Europe’s victory. His performance validated his place on the team, even as he navigated personal challenges, including a high-profile split from longtime partner Billy Foster shortly after marrying Katherine Gaal. Fitzpatrick’s coaching overhaul also played a role in his revival. After parting ways with long-time mentor Mike Walker, he joined forces with Mark Blackburn, a coach known for his innovative approach. This shift paid dividends in November, as Fitzpatrick defeated Rory McIlroy in a playoff to win the DP World Tour Championship. His swing, now incorporating a unique “funky feet” technique, has led to improved ball-striking and a more consistent approach.#tpc_sawgrass #bryson_dechambeau #ryder_cup #matt_fitzpatrick #cameron_young

‘Give the fans what they want!’ Bryson DeChambeau calls out Tiger Woods with surprise offer Last updated: 18 March 2026 Bryson DeChambeau has proposed a high-profile showdown between his LIV Golf Crushers GC team and Tiger Woods’ Jupiter Links squad, suggesting the matchup could become a major spectacle for fans. The two-time US Open champion, who has built the Crushers into one of LIV Golf’s most commercially successful franchises through his large YouTube following, believes team formats in golf have untapped potential to captivate audiences. DeChambeau, speaking ahead of LIV Golf’s first tournament in South Africa, emphasized the need for more team-based events in the sport. “We do play team events,” he said, referencing the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. “There should be something else. Why not?” He floated the idea of a televised clash between his Crushers and Woods’ team in an 18-hole, 4-vs-4 format, potentially broadcast on platforms like Netflix. “Let’s go. Let’s do it,” he added, suggesting the matchup could highlight the best teams in the sport. The 32-year-old golfer argued that team rivalries could elevate the game’s appeal, drawing parallels to football’s global viewership. “Only about two million people play football, but there are over 50 million that watch every week,” he noted. “In golf, it’s almost the opposite. We’re getting 3-5 million people watching a week on various tours, and there are probably 50 to 60 million people playing the game.” He believes team events could bridge the gap between casual fans and the sport itself. DeChambeau acknowledged past attempts to commercialize rivalries, such as his 2021 match against Brooks Koepka in “The Match” and a 2024 showdown with Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. However, he argued the sport is still underutilizing its competitive spirit.#bryson_dechambeau #liv_golf #tiger_woods #jupiter_links #presidents_cup
“Let’s do it”: Bryson DeChambeau Challenges Tiger Woods to LIV vs. TGL Match Bryson DeChambeau has proposed a high-profile showdown between his LIV Golf team and Tiger Woods’ TGL squad, suggesting a grudge match could elevate team golf’s profile. The idea comes as the sport continues to experiment with team formats, with LIV Golf and TGL emerging as major players in the shift from individual to team competition. DeChambeau, a vocal advocate for team golf, believes such rivalries could attract new fans and reshape the sport’s future. DeChambeau is currently in South Africa for LIV Golf’s first tournament in the country, where his Crushers GC team is set to compete. During a pre-tournament press conference, he reiterated his belief that team golf could become a central part of the sport’s identity. “I do think there’s an opportunity in the future for team golf to be next to the forefront of golf, with all the — even the majors and whatnot,” he said. While he acknowledged that team events like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup remain the pinnacle, he argued that rivalries between teams could create new excitement. The proposed match between DeChambeau’s Crushers and Tiger Woods’ Jupiter Links team would take the form of an 18-hole, 4-on-4 stroke-play showdown. DeChambeau envisioned the event as a high-profile spectacle, potentially broadcast on platforms like Netflix to draw in sports fans unfamiliar with golf. “Imagine a scenario where we’re going up against Jupiter Links on an 18-hole showcase,” he said. “It’d be fun. Show them who’s the best, who’s the best team in the world.” DeChambeau also drew a comparison between golf and football, highlighting the disparity in audience sizes.#bryson_dechambeau #liv_golf #crushers_gc #tiger_woods #jupiter_links

Masters picks 2026: Our 13 best bets to win at Augusta National The Masters is set to begin, marking the first major championship of the year and drawing widespread attention from golf fans and beyond. With its storied history and prestige, the tournament remains a focal point for the sport. Ahead of the event, GolfDigest.com has compiled its annual list of top contenders to claim the green jacket, based on recent performance, form, and odds from DraftKings. Here’s a breakdown of the leading candidates for the 2026 Masters. Xander Schauffele is the top pick at 18/1, having finished in the top 10 at Augusta National in his last seven appearances, including three consecutive years. His third-place finish at the Players Tournament signals he’s returning to peak form. However, concerns linger over his putting, which has dipped to 53rd in strokes gained compared to his dominant 2024 major season. Bryson DeChambeau follows at 10/1, having improved his Augusta National performance in recent years with back-to-back strong showings. His recent LIV victory in Singapore adds momentum, though the course’s challenging bunkers could pose a risk, as seen in his previous struggles. Rory McIlroy is the third favorite at 7/1, with an impressive record of top-10 finishes in 12 of his last 12 Masters starts. His 2025 victory completed the career Grand Slam, but the pressure of following such a historic win and a lingering back injury may affect his performance. Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, is at 3.5/1 after winning two of the last three Masters tournaments. Despite his recent success, some question if he’s in a slump, given his five-tournament losing streak. While his odds are favorable, the challenge of maintaining consistency remains.#xander_schauffele #bryson_dechambeau #masters_tournament #golf_digest_com #augusta_national
Bryson DeChambeau Adjusting to 4-Round Format at LIV Golf, Still Maintains 3-Round Mentality Bryson DeChambeau finished the first round at LIV Golf Singapore tied for the lead, marking his return to the league’s new 4-round format. Despite the shift from the previous 3-round structure, the two-time U.S. Open champion is still adapting to the change, acknowledging the challenge of adjusting his mindset. DeChambeau, one of LIV Golf’s most prominent players, initially expressed reservations about the league’s decision to extend tournaments to 54 holes. In February, he told Today’s Golfer that the format was not what he had signed up for, stating, “Is it what we ultimately signed up for? No. So I think we’re supposed to be different, so I’m a little indifferent to it right now.” However, he has since acknowledged the need to adapt. At the Sentosa G.C. event in Singapore, DeChambeau shot a 67 to finish the first round at four under par, sharing the lead with Jon Rahm, the previous LIV Hong Kong winner, as well as Lee Westwood and Richard Lee. When asked about adjusting to the four-round format, DeChambeau admitted, “Yeah, I actually do. It's an interesting topic, for numerous reasons. I think both have their advantages and disadvantages.” He explained that the three-round format felt like a “sprint,” requiring players to maximize their performance in each round, with a single mistake potentially costing significant ground. In contrast, the four-day format allows for more flexibility, reducing the pressure of each round. “Now with it being four days, that doesn't matter as much. It's just a different sort of mindset for a lot of people,” he said. Despite the format change, DeChambeau still approaches LIV events with the same intensity, crediting the 54-hole structure for his success in major championships.#jon_rahm #bryson_dechambeau #liv_golf #lee_westwood #sentosa_gc
Bryson DeChambeau Remains In LIV Golf Singapore Contention Despite Huge Wedge Change Bryson DeChambeau continues to make significant adjustments to his equipment as he competes in the LIV Golf Singapore event, with a notable switch to Bettinardi wedges marking his latest move. The two-time U.S. Open champion, who trails co-leaders Joaquin Niemann and Lee Westwood by one shot heading into the final round, has opted for the Bettinardi HLX 5.0 Forged wedges, a decision reported by Matt Vincenzi, a senior reporter for LIV Golf. The change involves specific modifications to the wedge degrees, with the 50-degree model bent one degree less and the 56-degree wedge bent two degrees less. This adjustment aims to enhance spin control, a critical factor in softer conditions, which DeChambeau has struggled with during recent tournaments. Speaking after his opening round in Singapore, DeChambeau expressed confidence in the new setup, noting that the wedges felt “great” during practice and provided better performance through the turf from the fairway. He emphasized his trust in the new bounce configuration, hoping it would offer an advantage in challenging weather conditions. DeChambeau’s equipment changes are not uncommon, as he frequently experiments with gear to optimize his game. This latest shift comes amid his efforts to rebound from a disappointing finish at Augusta National, where he finished tied for fifth in 2025. The decision to switch to Bettinardi wedges also reflects his ongoing collaboration with the brand, which is best known for its putters but has expanded into wedge designs. The HLX 5.0 model, praised for its high-end production and versatility, features two grind options and pronounced cut grooves to maximize spin performance across varying conditions. Golf Monthly’s Sam De’Ath highlighted the HLX 5.#bryson_dechambeau #liv_golf #bettinardi #joaquin_niemann #lee_westwood
