McIlroy lashes out at DeChambeau for ‘holding the Open hostage’ over penalty row

‘I won’t defend Bryson – I’m not fond of him’ Masters champion says rival’s actions ‘not a good look’ Rory McIlroy has accused a “performative” Bryson DeChambeau of “holding the tournament hostage” after the incredible scenes which marked the end of the American’s second round at the Open. DeChambeau’s antics were matched in noteworthy terms by the scathing sentiment of McIlroy on Saturday. “I won’t pretend to be up here and defend Bryson,” said McIlroy. “I’m not particularly fond of him.” Continue reading...

Ewan Murray at Royal Birkdale · Sat, Jul 18, 2026, 9:29 AM
US news | The Guardian

McIlroy lashes out at DeChambeau for ‘holding the Open hostage’ over penalty row

‘I won’t defend Bryson – I’m not fond of him’
Masters champion says rival’s actions ‘not a good look’

Rory McIlroy has accused a “performative” Bryson DeChambeau of “holding the tournament hostage” after the incredible scenes which marked the end of the American’s second round at the Open.

DeChambeau’s antics were matched in noteworthy terms by the scathing sentiment of McIlroy on Saturday. “I won’t pretend to be up here and defend Bryson,” said McIlroy. “I’m not particularly fond of him.”

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