Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland took direct aim at Bryson DeChambeau of the United States, calling him "a player begging for fans' attention." The remark concerned DeChambeau's behavior after receiving a penalty for a rules violation.
Speaking to AFP after completing the third round of The Open at Royal Birkdale Golf Club (par 70) in Southport, England, on the 18th, McIlroy said, "DeChambeau held The Open hostage and begged fans for attention."
McIlroy's criticism stemmed from a rules violation that occurred in the second round the previous day. On the fifth hole of the second round, DeChambeau improved his intended stance area by stepping on and pressing down long grass behind his ball while preparing his second shot. During the scorecard submission process, the tournament committee informed DeChambeau of a two-stroke penalty.
DeChambeau strongly protested the penalty. Britain's Sky Sports reported that during this process he threatened to "withdraw from the tournament." This is said to have caused a commotion that delayed the announcement of the third-round tee times.
"I'm not going to pretend to defend Bryson," McIlroy said. "Most of his actions are for show and to attract attention." McIlroy, who said he had been watching DeChambeau's play on the broadcast in the players' lounge during the second round, said, "It was obvious he violated the rule, and the penalty ruling was justified."
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler of the United States expressed his displeasure, saying, "I have a lot to say, but I won't say it publicly."
DeChambeau shaved one stroke in the third round to sit in a tie for sixth at 6-under par. Sam Burns of the United States holds the sole lead at 10-under par. Kim Si-woo trimmed three strokes to climb into a tie for second at 8-under par.
