Bryson DeChambeau opens up on ‘adversity’ of British Open controversy that sunk him

Bryson DeChambeau appears to be moving on from his controversial British Open penalty.

The American golfer was issued a two-stroke penalty on the fifth hole last Friday as he was accused by officials of improving his lie by stomping down on grass.

DeChambeau was just one stroke behind Lucas Herbert when the penalty was assessed, and could be seen angrily protesting the decision.

Bryson DeChambeau was hit with a controversial two-stroke penalty at the British Open last week Getty Images

After the first round at LIV Golf’s UK event Thursday, though, DeChambeau seemed less bitter when asked about the “adversity” of his British Open.

“Yeah, I made the cut,” DeChambeau said with a smile, according to Golf.com.

“No, it was a good fight. I wish I would have given it more on Saturday and Sunday. Felt like I could have. Besides the fifth hole and being three-over on that hole and then the 11th hole, that’s six shots. That’s tied for the lead right there. That’s two holes and I’m right there with the Claret Jug.”

Despite his hot start, DeChambeau faded as the tournament went on. He wrapped up tied for 14th after a two-over par finish Sunday.

Yet, he bounced back at LIV’s event at JCB Country Club as he notched an eight-under on the first day of the tournament.

Nonetheless, his measured tone Thursday was a shift from his fury last week, in which he angrily argued with officials and even threatened to pull out of the tournament.

DeChambeau unsuccessfully made his case to British Open officials as he was given the penalty. @Cam_Jourdan/X

He also threatened to get President Donald Trump involved following the controversial decision, as first reported by Geoff Shackelford.

Fellow golfer and rival Rory McIlroy also took digs at DeChambeau over the incident.

DeChambeau said on social media afterwards that he was “obviously disappointed” with the ruling.

“I don’t agree with it, but it is what it is,” he wrote. “This fires me up. Onto the weekend. Let’s get it.”

While the tournament ultimately did not reach the heights that DeChambeau would have wanted, it was his first made cut of the year in a major tournament.