Bryson DeChambeau's former coach, Mike Schy, has offered insights into the golfer's temperament, suggesting that DeChambeau's true nature emerges under pressure. Schy, who coached DeChambeau for 14 years until 2018, described an incident at The Open where the golfer, after receiving a two-shot penalty, reportedly threatened to call then-President Donald Trump to challenge the ruling.
During the second round of The Open, DeChambeau was penalized for trampling down tall grass behind his ball to create room for his backswing. Following discussions with officials, the penalty was issued, leading to an angry response from DeChambeau, who Schy claims suggested he might withdraw from the tournament. "I know DeChambeau and Trump are buddies, so it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if he did that," Schy told the Daily Mail. "Bryson is a person who does not accept defeat and he wasn't getting his way. He was livid."
Schy believes this reaction is consistent with the competitor he coached from childhood, whose intensity could be difficult to manage. He recalled DeChambeau's first Open in 2017, where after missing the cut, he had a significant meltdown that took hours to overcome. Schy also noted an incident a year later at Carnoustie, where DeChambeau threw clubs and dropped to his knees in frustration during a practice session.
Beyond on-course behavior, Schy also touched on DeChambeau's early interactions with fans, describing an instance where the golfer refused to sign autographs. Schy confronted him, reminding him of his desire to emulate Arnold Palmer, but DeChambeau allegedly responded, "I don't care."
Schy suggested that DeChambeau's current persona as a large-than-life entertainer, engaging with millions of followers on social media, is part of a deliberate strategy for "Brand Bryson." The relationship between player and coach ended in 2020, with Schy accusing DeChambeau of reneging on promises to support a junior golf tour, while DeChambeau countered by accusing Schy of attempted extortion.
Other players have also expressed frustration with DeChambeau's behavior. Rory McIlroy described aspects of DeChambeau's conduct as "performative" and stated, "I'm not particularly fond of him." McIlroy felt DeChambeau's actions at The Open held the tournament "hostage."
Despite the controversies, DeChambeau's critics stop short of accusing him of cheating. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler defended DeChambeau, stating he is "definitely not a cheater." Schy agrees, characterizing DeChambeau's actions at The Open as "super careless" rather than dishonest.