Bryson DeChambeau is maintaining a playful demeanor at the British Open, a day after receiving a two-stroke penalty that caused significant controversy. During the third round on Saturday, DeChambeau appeared to mock the officials by making exaggerated motions as he approached his ball in the rough on the 18th hole, referencing his penalty from the previous day.
This incident followed a heated exchange between DeChambeau and R&A executive director of governance, Grant Moir, during Friday's second round. DeChambeau was penalized for improving his lie on the fifth hole. Cameras captured DeChambeau gesturing animatedly and expressing his intention not to play on Saturday after being escorted back to the scene of the penalty by officials.
DeChambeau later called over a walking official to report that his ball had moved slightly but insisted it was not due to his actions and therefore should not result in a penalty. His behavior on Saturday, including joking with fans about stepping on a ball in the rough, continues a pattern of provocative actions during the tournament.
Fellow competitor Rory McIlroy criticized DeChambeau's actions, stating that the golfer held the tournament "hostage" during his argument over the penalty. McIlroy supported the rules officials' decision, commenting that it appeared DeChambeau's actions warranted the two-shot penalty, whether they were careless or intentional. "I think there’s no doubt he improved the line of his backswing, whether it was careless or if it was intentional, it doesn’t matter, hopefully was careless. I think the two-shot penalty was justified,” McIlroy said, adding that he and other players observed the situation and felt something was amiss. Mage2: Bryson DeChambeau joking with fans about stepping on a ball in the rough. | dimensions=3328x2219 Mage1: Bryson DeChambeau reacts with an open mouth and raised putter to a missed putt on the 16th hole. | dimensions=3466x4485