Bryson DeChambeau Drops 5-Word Reaction to Rory McIlroy’s Attack at The Open

Bryson DeChambeau fired a 1-under par score on Saturday and finished the day 4 shots behind leader Sam Burns.

Bryson DeChambeau Drops 5-Word Reaction to Rory McIlroy’s Attack at The Open

Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy (Image via Bleacher Report/Imago)

On Saturday, Rory McIlroy did not hold back and attacked Bryson DeChambeau for his actions on Friday after the 2nd round. Following his round on the moving day, the LIV Golf star dropped a simple 5-word reaction.

During the 2nd round, DeChambeau initially fired a score of 66 with 5 birdies and 1 bogey. His bogey on the par-4 hole was later changed to a triple bogey as he was handed a 2-shot penalty.

According to the R&A officials, the American international had improved his lie after his ball landed in the thick. DeChambeau was seen taking some practice swings and walking around before taking his shot.

This 2-shot penalty changed the course of the tournament. Before this, the 2-time major champion was 1-shot behind 36-hole leader Lucas Herbert and was set to tee on Saturday in the final group. After this penalty, his score went from 66 to 68 and he fell from solo 2 to T5, 3 shots behind Herbert.

The 32-year-old was disappointed by ruling. Despite his arguments, the R&A officials penalized him. Following this incident, there were some talks that he would walk away from the event and not tee off in the 3rd round.

That obviously did not happen as DeChambeau later clarified that he would play the weekend. This was the first time in the majors this year he got this chance having missed the cut in the previous 3 majors.

Rory McIlroy, who has developed a rivalry with DeChambeau, blasted him on Saturday after his round. The World No.2 claimed that he was not “fond” of him and accused the LIV golfer of holding the tournament hostage.

I won’t pretend to be up here and defend Bryson. I’m not particularly fond of him. I think a lot of it’s performative. I think a lot of it’s for attention. 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.

Rory McIlroy said regarding Bryson DeChambeau

Golf fans on social media were not happy when DeChambeau was given a 2-shot penalty. After McIlroy’s criticism, many lashed out at the reigning Masters Champion and accused him of being “performative” as well.

DeChambeau finished his round a bit later than McIlroy. Like he has done all tournament, he refused to appear in front of traditional media for a post round interview.

As he walking out of the course, a reporter was able to get some words out of him. When asked whether he had heard the response of McIlroy, DeChambeau simply claimed he had heard nothing.

I have not heard anything.

Bryson DeChambeau said as per Johan Larsson

McIlroy and DeChambeau have history at the majors. At the 2025 Masters Tournament, the duo were the final pair on Sunday. As both of them chased a maiden victory at Augusta National, McIlroy would remain silent and did not speak with his rival during the final round.

In July 2024, the two of them were involved in a battle for the U.S. Open. After a slip up from McIlroy, DeChambeau came from behind and finished 1-shot ahead of him to claim his 2nd major title.

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Bryson DeChambeau reportedly had an animated discussion with R&A officials after 3rd round

All eyes were on Bryson DeChambeau on Saturday following the penalty drama a day before. The golfer fired a 1-under par score on the moving day with 3 birdies and 2 bogeys. After the round, he was reported to have an animated discussion with the R&A officials.

Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson DeChambeau (Image via Imago)

As per Ewan Murray, the Crushers GC captain was seen having an “animated” conversation with R&A chief executive Mark Darbon in the tournament office. He was reported to be requesting his 2nd round scorecard. The officials immediately declined him.

The 2-shot penalty of DeChambeau could become the huge difference in winning and losing. The golfer will enter the final round of the 154th Open Championship while being 4-shots behind leader Sam Burns and play alongside Jackson Suber at 1:50 p.m. local time.

If he loses by a margin of 2-shots, there will be more debate regarding this penalty. Burns, meanwhile, will tee off alongside Ryan Fox as the final pair at 2:20 p.m. British Time.

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