Golfer Bryson DeChambeau reportedly threatened to contact former President Donald Trump in an attempt to intervene during a rules dispute that occurred at The Open. The incident, which resulted in DeChambeau being assessed a two-stroke penalty, has drawn parallels to Trump's prior interventions in international sporting events.
Sources confirmed to Daily Mail Sport that DeChambeau, a two-time U.S. Open champion, sought presidential assistance during the heated exchange. However, unlike a previous controversy involving U.S. Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun, the White House did not become involved, and the penalty was not overturned.
The revelation that DeChambeau considered involving Trump was first reported by course architect and author Geoff Shackelford. The drama unfolded during the second round of The Open, where DeChambeau was penalized after appearing to improve his lie by trampling the grass behind his ball. The golfer then engaged in a lengthy argument with officials, protesting his innocence and threatening to withdraw.
Rory McIlroy, the world number two, commented on the incident, suggesting that much of DeChambeau's actions were performative and attention-seeking. He noted that other players observed the situation and found DeChambeau's actions questionable. "I think a lot of it's performative. I think a lot of it is for attention," McIlroy said. "To hold the tournament hostage like that and to have all of us, players, volunteers, everyone waiting on him to depart, I didn't feel like it was a great look."
DeChambeau's potential call to Trump carries significance given their established relationship. The golfer celebrated his 2024 U.S. Open victory with Trump's family and is a member of Trump's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. Trump himself has previously described DeChambeau as a "very close friend" and an "amazing man."
The penalty ultimately had minimal impact on DeChambeau's final standing, as he struggled in the final round and finished six shots behind the eventual winner, Ryan Fox.
This incident also follows a pattern of Trump's past involvement in sports controversies. In a separate event, Trump reportedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to urge him to overturn a red card suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in a World Cup match. Despite this intervention, the U.S. team lost the subsequent game. Trump has publicly boasted about this intervention. Additionally, golfer Tiger Woods was heard on police bodycam footage mentioning he was speaking with the President following his 2024 car crash, though the nature of that conversation remains unclear.