McIlroy backs DeChambeau penalty after Open rules flare-up
Rory McIlroy said Bryson DeChambeau’s two-shot Open penalty was justified and called parts of the Friday night drama “performative.”
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
Bryson DeChambeau’s Open scorecard took a two-shot hit Friday, and Rory McIlroy had no sympathy for the rules-room drama that followed.
Speaking after his third round at the 2026 Open, McIlroy said the penalty assessed to DeChambeau for improving the path of his swing on No. 5 in the second round was the right call. CBS Sports reported that DeChambeau’s score moved from 7 under to 5 under after the ruling, knocking him out of the final group for Saturday’s third round.
McIlroy said he saw the moment live from the players lounge with other players. According to McIlroy, the reaction in the room came as soon as DeChambeau stepped in toward his ball in the fescue.
“I was watching it live,” McIlroy said, according to CBS Sports. “I was up in the players lounge watching it with a few other players, and as soon as he made the step into the ball, we all sort of looked at each other, and we were like, ‘that didn’t seem right.’”
McIlroy said that once he learned rules officials had called DeChambeau in, the reason seemed clear. He said he had “no doubt” DeChambeau improved the line of his backswing, adding that whether it was careless or intentional did not change the ruling in his view.
“Hopefully it was careless, but I think the two-shot penalty was justified for sure,” McIlroy said.
DeChambeau made his case to R&A rules officials on No. 5 after the round ended, CBS Sports reported. The ruling stood. He was described as visibly frustrated while trying to persuade officials.
The fallout stretched into Friday night. According to CBS Sports, DeChambeau, a two-time U.S. Open champion, threatened through his agent that he might withdraw from the tournament. He later remained on the driving range, worked through clubs and offered snacks to media members still there.
DeChambeau ultimately posted on social media Friday evening that he intended to play through the weekend.
McIlroy did not soften his view of the spectacle. He said he was not going to defend DeChambeau and added, “I’m not particularly fond of him,” according to CBS Sports.
“I think a lot of it’s performative. I think a lot of it’s for attention,” McIlroy said. “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.”
McIlroy also addressed the wider debate over camera coverage and rules enforcement. Some have argued that similar situations may occur away from television cameras, meaning not every player faces the same scrutiny.
McIlroy acknowledged that not every shot in the field is filmed and said golf depends largely on players policing themselves. Still, he said this case had visible evidence.
“I think when there is obvious evidence like there was last night, then obviously that’s a different story,” McIlroy said.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.