Bryson DeChambeau has friends in high places. The controversial American golfer reportedly threatened to call President Trump after he received a two-shot penalty over the weekend at the British Open, according to multiple reports published Monday.
Rules officials penalized DeChambeau for stomping down grass in the rough around his ball after an errant drive on the fifth hole on Friday. The YouTube and LIV golf star reportedly argued the decision and refused to sign his scorecard for 30 minutes.
“I’m not particularly fond of him. I think a lot of it’s performative. I think a lot of it’s for attention,” reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy told reporters. “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.”
The optics only worsened when several reporters on Monday indicated that DeChambeau lobbied Mr. Trump in an effort to have the penalty rescinded.
Mark Darbon — the chief executive of the R&A, which organized the tournament — told the BBC on Saturday that he had not heard from the American president.
DeChambeau was likely looking for a repeat of recent history. Earlier this month, Mr. Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to inquire about a red card and subsequent suspension issued to American forward Folarin Balogun during the World Cup’s round of 32.
FIFA dropped Balogun’s one-match ban after the conversation with Mr. Trump, though officials did not confirm a specific reason for the decision.
DeChambeau has an established friendship with the Republican, who is a noted golfer. The pair has appeared together on DeChambeau’s YouTube channel, and Mr. Trump designated the 32-year-old Californian as the chairperson for the revamped President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.
DeChambeau ultimately finished tied for 14th at the British Open with a final score of 4-under.
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