SerpApi.Org
Bryson DeChambeau threatened to contact President Donald Trump for help as he unsuccessfully contested his controversial penalty at The Open Championship, according to explosive reports.
DeChambeau believed he was entering the weekend at Royal Birkdale in second position, trailing leader Lucas Herbert by a single stroke, but officials informed him following the second round that he had been penalized two strokes for altering his lie while preparing his second shot on the fifth hole.
DeChambeau was livid about the ruling, and remarkable scenes unfolded. Rules official Grant Moir transported him via cart to the location of the incident, where television cameras captured DeChambeau vehemently argued against The RandA's determination that he had trampled grass in his backswing path. It comes after Dave Portnoy agreed with 'jerk' Rory McIlroy over DeChambeau antics.
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The two-time major winner then went back to the recorders' office, where he remained for over 20 minutes as he continued to challenge the penalty. As dusk approached, he made his way to the practice range to hit balls after TV cameras seemingly showed him threatening to withdraw from the competition.
He subsequently addressed the matter in a social media statement, which said: "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."
DeChambeau eventually lost his edge during the final two rounds and finished in a tie for 14th place, but subsequent reports from The Quadrilateral and The Daily Mail have indicated that the world No. 37 informed The RandA he would contact President Trump to involve him in the penalty controversy.
When questioned by the BBC on Saturday morning about whether President Trump had made any contact, RandA chief executive Mark Darbon responded: "No, I have not received a call from President Trump, and we will see what happens from here."
DeChambeau is a supporter and associate of Trump. The president appeared with DeChambeau playing golf on his YouTube channel, and the 32 year old serves as chairman of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.
Under typical circumstances, the notion of a sitting president becoming involved in such a sporting matter would appear unusual, but it seemed entirely plausible following Trump's intervention in an attempt to reverse USMNT star Folarin Balogun's red card at the World Cup.
Throughout the week at Royal Birkdale, DeChambeau refused to speak with independent media in the mixed zone. He did participate in an interview with The RandA's media team following his opening round.
Opponent Rory McIlroy addressed the penalty and DeChambeau's conduct in the fallout, which delayed the announcement of third-round tee times. The six-time major champion stated he was "not particularly fond" of DeChambeau and called the penalty "justified."
The LIV Golf competitor is still in England, as the breakaway circuit prepares to stage its first tournament in seven weeks at JCB Golf and Country Club. Opening round play begins on Thursday.
Express Sports U.S. has contacted Bryson DeChambeau's representatives for comment.
