SerpApi.Org
Bryson DeChambeau continued his media blackout as he exited Royal Birkdale after a disappointing finish to an eventful Open Championship.
DeChambeau declined to talk to broadcast and written media after all four rounds en route to a T14 finish in the final major of the year. He closed with a two-under-par 72 as this chance to win his third major title slipped through his grasp.
His week was overshadowed by the two-shot penalty he received during Friday's second round, when rules officials deemed him guilty of improving the conditions around his ball before playing his second shot. DeChambeau was furious when he learned of the decision after his round, angrily arguing his case.
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His protests delayed the release of the third-round tee times, leading Rory McIlroy to accuse the LIV Golf star of "taking the tournament hostage."
The penalty dropped DeChambeau from second place into a share of fifth at the halfway stage, and he failed to regain his momentum over the weekend, finishing in a tie for 14th place, six shots adrift of champion Ryan Fox.
DeChambeau completed his final round an hour before Fox holed the winning putt, and requests were made for him to speak to broadcast media and the written press.
The 32-year-old declined for the fourth round in succession. He told reporters, "Hope you have a great night," as he walked past before signing autographs and taking selfies with fans.
He received a huge ovation from a gathering of supporters after removing his hat and signing it for a young fan before heading for the locker room.
His latest snub came after an awkward conclusion to his final round. He has received plenty of support from the galleries this week, but there were isolated jeers and heckles as he arrived at the 18th green.
Choruses of "Where's your two shots gone?" and "He's in your head, Rory, Rory, Rory" to the tune of 'Zombie' by The Cranberries rang out from a group of spectators.
DeChambeau's decision to stay quiet leaves his fans waiting for his reaction to McIlroy's explosive comments, which overshadowed the action on the course on Saturday.
McIlroy said the decision to penalize DeChambeau for flattening grass near his ball was "justified," and he added: "Yeah, look, 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."
DeChambeau has only addressed the penalty incident publicly in a social media post, telling followers: "Obviously disappointed with the ruling. I don’t agree with it, but it is what it is. This fires me up. Onto the weekend. Let’s get it."
