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DeChambeau protested two-stroke penalty at The Open, threatened to call Trump
🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

DeChambeau protested two-stroke penalty at The Open, threatened to call Trump

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Golfer Bryson DeChambeau reportedly threatened to call US President Donald Trump after receiving a two-stroke penalty during The Open.
  • The penalty was issued for improving his lie by flattening grass behind his ball during the second round.
  • DeChambeau protested the ruling for 30 minutes and reportedly stated he would not play the next day, though it's unconfirmed if he contacted Trump.

Bryson DeChambeau, a prominent golfer known for his powerful play and association with LIV Golf, allegedly invoked President Donald Trump's name during a heated protest over a two-stroke penalty at The Open. The incident occurred during the second round at Royal Birkdale Golf Club.

According to reports, DeChambeau was penalized for improving his lie by flattening the grass behind his ball during his second shot on the par-4 5th hole. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) officials explained that the player had altered the conditions affecting his stroke, potentially gaining an advantage.

DeChambeau improved his lie by flattening the grass behind him. This means the player gained a potential advantage from the stroke.

— R&A OfficialExplaining the reason for the two-stroke penalty assessed to Bryson DeChambeau.

Following the ruling, DeChambeau's second-round score of 66 was amended to 68. He reportedly protested the decision for approximately 30 minutes, expressing his strong disagreement. Reports suggest he also declared he would withdraw from the competition the following day, though whether he actually contacted President Trump remains unconfirmed.

I will not play tomorrow's match.

— Bryson DeChambeauHis reported reaction after the penalty was upheld.

The R&A addressed the situation, with a spokesperson telling BBC Radio that they had not received a call from President Trump. They emphasized that decisions are made based on the rules, regardless of the player involved.

DeChambeau, who has a known friendship with President Trump, often plays golf with him and celebrated his 2024 US Open victory with the Trump family. He also serves on a presidential committee for sports, fitness, and nutrition. Despite the controversy, DeChambeau finished the tournament tied for 14th place with a score of 4-under-par 276 and declined to speak with reporters after the event.

We have not received a call from President Trump. We will see what happens next. The decision remains the same regardless of which player it affects.

— R&A SpokespersonResponding to the claim that DeChambeau threatened to call Trump and addressing the penalty.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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