Rory McIlroy speaks out, saying Bryson DeChambeau is holding The Open ‘hostage’ over a penalty dispute.
Rory McIlroy has called out Bryson DeChambeau after his penalty on the second day of the Open, saying Bryson took the tournament ‘hostage.’
DeChambeau was in the spotlight after getting a two-stroke penalty for stepping on long grass near his ball on the fifth hole late Friday. The 32-year-old said he didn’t do it on purpose, but the R&A ruled he broke Rule 8.1, which says players must play the course ‘as they find it.’
Grant Moir, the R&A’s executive director, explained the rule: “Rule 8.1 stops players from changing conditions that affect their shot, including the area they swing in. If a player changes anything that could help them, even by accident, it’s not allowed. That’s what happened with Bryson.”
After the penalty, there were rumors DeChambeau might quit the tournament, but he shared on social media early Saturday that he would keep playing. He got a warm cheer from the crowd at Royal Birkdale for his first shot on day three. Still, while fans supported him, some players weren’t happy with how he handled things.
Rory McIlroy didn’t hold back, criticizing DeChambeau for his actions and saying he made the tournament wait too long. “I’m not a big fan of Bryson. I think a lot of what he does is just for attention,” McIlroy said. “He held the whole tournament up, making players and volunteers wait, and that didn’t look good at all.”
McIlroy added, “When he stepped up to the ball, we all thought something was off. Then, when the officials got involved, it was clear why. He definitely improved his swing line. Whether it was on purpose or not doesn’t really matter. The two-shot penalty was fair.”
Clearly upset with how Bryson reacted to the penalty, McIlroy shared his honest feelings and hopes for a big day four. McIlroy, who has won the Open once before, finished day three at two-under par and knows he’ll need near-perfect play to have a shot at another major.
With three players already shooting 62 in the past two days, McIlroy will be hoping for some magic on Sunday as the exciting tournament comes to an end.