What was the penalty Bryson DeChambeau received at The Open?

Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-shot penalty for allegedly improving the area of his backswing by flattening long grass on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale.

Why did Bryson DeChambeau reportedly want Donald Trump to intervene?

DeChambeau and Trump are known to be friends, and Trump had previously intervened in a sports ruling involving footballer Folarin Balogun, which may have influenced DeChambeau's reported request.

MajorsBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamAug 13, 2026, 11:01 AM ET

DeChambeau Allegedly Sought Trump Intervention Over Open Penalty

Reports indicate Bryson DeChambeau requested former US President Donald Trump's involvement during a rules dispute at The Open, following a two-shot penalty.

Bryson DeChambeau reportedly sought the intervention of then-US President Donald Trump following a controversial two-shot penalty at The Open. The incident occurred late on a Friday night after officials reviewed video footage, determining DeChambeau had improved his lie by flattening long grass in the area of his backswing on Royal Birkdale's fifth hole. This ruling significantly impacted his standing, dropping him from second place and two shots off the lead at the time.

According to American journalist Geoff Shackelford, DeChambeau made the request to speak with Trump during extensive discussions with The R&A regarding the penalty. The golfer is known to be an acquaintance of Trump, having played golf with him and served on the president's council on sports, fitness, and nutrition, with his last White House appearance occurring in May prior to the reported incident.

The alleged request for presidential involvement draws parallels to a previous instance where Trump reportedly asked FIFA, football's world governing body, to review a red card issued to US forward Folarin Balogun during a World Cup match. Balogun's subsequent one-match ban was suspended following that intervention. However, DeChambeau's similar request regarding his Open penalty was reportedly denied by officials.

While the incident at The Open remains a notable point in DeChambeau's career, his focus has since shifted to upcoming events. Bryson DeChambeau is currently priced at +2200 (FanDuel) for the Masters Tournament, reflecting his standing among contenders for the year's first major.

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FAQ

What was the penalty Bryson DeChambeau received at The Open?: Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-shot penalty for allegedly improving the area of his backswing by flattening long grass on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale.
Why did Bryson DeChambeau reportedly want Donald Trump to intervene?: DeChambeau and Trump are known to be friends, and Trump had previously intervened in a sports ruling involving footballer Folarin Balogun, which may have influenced DeChambeau's reported request.