American golfer Bryson DeChambeau reportedly sought the intervention of United States President Donald Trump following a controversial two-shot penalty at The Open Championship last Friday. The incident, which saw DeChambeau penalised for improving his lie on Royal Birkdale’s fifth hole, significantly impacted his position in the tournament.
Officials reviewed video footage late on Friday evening, determining that DeChambeau had flattened long grass in the area of his backswing, a breach of golf’s rules. The penalty saw the two-time major winner drop from second place, two shots off the lead, altering the trajectory of his weekend performance. US journalist Geoff Shackelford claimed DeChambeau made the request to speak with President Trump during extensive discussions with the R&A regarding the penalty.
DeChambeau is known to have a close relationship with President Trump, having served on the President’s council on sports, fitness and nutrition and making his most recent White House appearance in May. He has also played golf with the President on multiple occasions. The alleged request for intervention drew parallels to an earlier instance where President Trump reportedly asked FIFA to review a red card issued to US footballer Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, which subsequently saw the player’s one-match ban suspended.
However, the R&A firmly rejected any notion of external influence. When questioned on Saturday about potential contact from President Trump, R&A Chief Executive Mark Darbon stated, “No, I have not received a call from President Trump.” He further emphasised the impartiality of the decision, adding, “Irrespective of which player this affected, it is the same decision – from a rules perspective it was clear cut.” It is understood that following his round on Saturday, DeChambeau visited Darbon in the championship office, where his request to retrieve his scorecard from the previous day was also declined. The R&A has chosen not to comment on either of these specific issues.
DeChambeau ultimately finished The Open in 14th place, six shots behind eventual champion Ryan Fox. Following his final round, the golfer declined to speak to waiting media, marking the eighth consecutive major round he has done so. He later posted on Instagram, acknowledging “A lot of ups and downs this week, to say the least. But I’m proud of the way I fought through it. Thank you to all my supporters for carrying me through. Onwards and upwards from here. Congratulations to @ryanfoxgolfer on an incredible win!”