Bryson DeChambeau faced a barrage of insults and intense scrutiny on the third day of The Open, continuing to draw attention amid lingering accusations of cheating. The golfer emerged for his tee time on Saturday afternoon to find crowds, including children, waiting for him. While typically seeking autographs, one young spectator called out, "Keep your feet off the grass this time, Bryson," a sentiment reflecting the controversy from the previous day.
DeChambeau was penalized two shots on Friday for allegedly improving his lie by stomping down grass near his ball, an incident described as the most controversial of his career. He maintained he did not intentionally improve his lie, though officials issued the penalty.
As DeChambeau made his way to the first tee on Saturday, a significant crowd, including journalists, had gathered. Despite other players like tournament leader Lucas Herbert, Ryan Fox, and Tommy Fleetwood making notable charges, DeChambeau remained the central focus. His opening tee shot landed in the rough, prompting a local spectator to quip, "Careful Bryson." He proceeded to par the hole, but the watchful eyes remained.
On the second hole, another errant drive into the rough drew further commentary: "Careful where you stand, Bryson!" DeChambeau bogeyed the hole, falling further behind the leaders. The taunts continued, with one spectator shouting "cheat" in a seemingly lighthearted manner. The fifth hole, the site of Friday's controversial incident, again saw DeChambeau drive into the rough. A spectator shouted "cheat" with more conviction this time, before being quieted by others nearby. DeChambeau again parred the hole.
During this time, Rory McIlroy, after finishing his round, offered a sharp critique of DeChambeau, stating he was not "fond" of him and that a group of players felt DeChambeau had committed an infraction. McIlroy characterized DeChambeau's previous day's reaction as "performative" and suggested the tournament had been "held hostage."
Despite the hostile atmosphere, DeChambeau demonstrated significant willpower, securing birdies on the sixth, 15th, and 17th holes, and making crucial par saves from bunkers on the 12th, 13th, and 14th. He ultimately finished his round with a 69, his worst score of the week, placing him at six under par and four shots behind leader Sam Burns. After signing his scorecard, DeChambeau was seen in a heated discussion with Mark Darbon, the chief executive of the R&A, reportedly sparked by his request for his scorecard from Friday.