Bryson DeChambeau penalized at Open Championship, draws Rory McIlroy's criticism

Bryson DeChambeau faced backlash from Rory McIlroy after receiving a two-stroke penalty at The Open Championship on July 18, 2026. The incident, which involved DeChambeau allegedly improving his swing area, led to a late-night dispute with officials and delayed the tournament schedule.

What happened at The Open Championship?

DeChambeau was penalized for violating Rule 8.1 after his round at Royal Birkdale. The infraction occurred on the fifth hole when he escaped knee-high grass in a penalty area. After the round, referees alerted DeChambeau, who then debated the ruling with officials for an extended period. He finally accepted the penalty but continued hitting balls on the driving range until 10:30 p.m. local time, causing frustration among players and volunteers.

Why is Rory McIlroy criticizing Bryson DeChambeau?

McIlroy, a long-time rival of DeChambeau, called the situation a 'great look' for the tournament. He accused DeChambeau of holding The Open 'hostage' and described his actions as 'performative.' McIlroy also defended the penalty, stating that video footage clearly showed DeChambeau improving his swing area. The Northern Irishman has clashed with DeChambeau in the past, particularly over the PGA Tour-LIV Golf divide.

How did other players react?

Several players, including Justin Thomas and Marco Penge, took to social media to express their frustration. They criticized The Open for delaying the release of Saturday tee times due to DeChambeau's actions. McIlroy also mentioned that he and other players had concerns about DeChambeau's shot in real time, further supporting the penalty.

What's next for Bryson DeChambeau?

Despite the controversy, DeChambeau's agent, Brett Falkhoff, suggested that the two-time U.S. Open champion was considering whether to continue playing in the tournament. The incident has added another layer to the ongoing rivalry between DeChambeau and McIlroy, who have faced off in majors in recent years.