Bryson DeChambeau's two-stroke penalty at the 2026 Open Championship sparked significant controversy throughout the tournament. The penalty was assessed during his second round after he was observed stomping on tall grass near his ball, an action against the rules.

DeChambeau, known for his close friendship with former President Donald Trump—highlighted by their golf sessions on Trump's LIV Golf YouTube channel—reportedly sought Trump's intervention to challenge the penalty. According to golf writer Geoff Shackelford, sources familiar with a thirty-minute discussion revealed that DeChambeau wanted the President to spearhead a campaign against the penalty, which ultimately increased his score from 66 to 68. However, Trump declined to get involved.

The request came after DeChambeau had already been granted a rare allowance to return to the spot where he had disturbed the tall fescue rough during his backswing. The incident drew criticism from other players, including Rory McIlroy, who accused DeChambeau of holding the final major of the golf season hostage by refusing to sign his second-round scorecard.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's Ryan Fox secured his first major championship by birdying the final hole to finish one stroke ahead of American Cameron Young with a 10-under total.

Sources