Rory McIlroy should be the last golfer to criticize others for 'performative' behavior

DeChambeau became the center of attention, and the story of the Open, before the event even started.After missing the cut at all three majors heading into Royal Birkdale, commentators Nick Faldo and Brandel Chamblee both went after him for either prioritizing YouTube golf over competition, or in Faldo's case, an apparent lack of "strategy" in attacking links golf.Sure enough, DeChambeau quickly put himself in contention, including what appeared to be a second-round 66 that moved him to seven under par and within one shot of the second round leader, Lucas Herbert at -8.

But after the round had completed, rules officials took him back to the fifth hole after reviewing footage that they believed showed he incorrectly improved the area around his backswing.Despite a lengthy discussion and argument, DeChambeau was addressed a two-shot penalty.

And reportedly considered sitting out the remainder of the tournament in protest.GOLF ANALYST BRANDEL CHAMBLEE DISGUSTINGLY BURIES BRYSON DECHAMBEAU AFTER BRITISH OPEN PENALTYBryson DeChambeau of the United States speaks to a rules office before playing his shot on the 18th hole during the third day of the British Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.(Peter Morrison/AP)There have been passionate arguments on both sides over the legitimacy of the ruling.

Many have said it was justified considering it appears on camera as though DeChambeau steps around the area carelessly, while several players, including Xander Schauffele, have come out in his favor.Then there's the other side of it, that DeChambeau might have held up the R&A's announcement of tee times for round three while deciding whether to play.That certainly rubbed some players the wrong way, including McIlroy."I won’t pretend to be up here and defend Bryson," he told reporters.

"I’m not particularly fond of him.I think a lot of it is performative.

I think a lot of it’s for attention."To hold the to...