Polarizing Bryson DeChambeau goes away quietly in British Opens final round after drama-filled week

SOUTHPORT, England — Whatever the final outcome of the 154th British Open was going to be by day’s end Sunday — winner of the Claret Jug or not — Bryson DeChambeau always was going to be remembered as the bull in the Birkdale china shop.This Open, even without DeChambeau winning it, will forever be remembered as “The Bryson DeChambeau Show.’’Just as DeChambeau, who craves attention like an alcoholic craves one more whiskey, wants it.That made DeChambeau a winner at Royal Birkdale even though he never got his mitts on the Claret Jug or his name engraved on it.He was a winner even though he didn’t get to make a heartfelt winner’s speech on the 18th green in front of the packed grandstands as is tradition for the “Champion Golfer of the Year.’’DeChambeau is as much about making content as he is making birdies and winning golf tournaments.And man, did he deliver content this week — even if you didn’t like it or agree with it.The polarizing DeChambeau began Sunday’s final round at 6 under par and four shots behind leader Sam Burns.In Sunday’s final round, DeChambeau went away quietly, shooting a buzzkill 2-over-par 72 to finish tied for 14th at 4 under par.No disrespect to winner Ryan Fox, but the news cycle in this Open was dominated by DeChambeau and his dramatic antics.Good for the tournament?Good for golf?That’s for the eye of the beholder to decide.Enjoy a dose of drama added to major championships? Perhaps so.Turned off by needless nonsense that has nothing to do with the final outcome? Then no.Make no mistake: DeChambeau adds drama.He, too, often adds needless nonsense.

This is what makes him compelling — sometimes absolutely likable and other times detestable.Now, he’ll drift back into the relative anonymity of the fledgling LIV Golf tour as it limps to the finish line for the final few events of its 2026 season, with hopes of being thrown a lifeline from new investors.The 32-year-old’s week along the northwest coast of En...