Instead? It's once again Bryson DeChambeau.DeChambeau was a lightning rod for criticism ahead of The Open when analysts Nick Faldo and Brandel Chamblee had harsh words for his approach.
Faldo said he lacked the "strategy" to succeed in links golf, that he hits driver as far as he can and hopes for the best instead of trying to "thread" it down the fairway.Chamblee had a broader complaint: He believes DeChambeau has spent more time chasing YouTube golf star Grant Horvat than trying to run down the best in the world, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.So how did Bryson respond? In the most Bryson way possible.BRYSON DECHAMBEAU CLAPS BACK AT NICK FALDO, OTHER CRITICS, AFTER -3 ROUND AT THE OPEN: 'INCREDIBLY STRATEGIC'Bryson DeChambeau celebrates winning the 2024 U.S.
Open at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.(Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports)He immediately put himself in contention with a strong 3-under 67 first round.
Afterward, he said in his media appearance that he had been very "strategic" when playing Royal Birkdale, a clear response to Faldo.Round two, however, was where he really became the center of attention.After the round was completed, a seeming 4-under 66, rules officials brought DeChambeau back to the fifth hole, where they assessed him a two-stroke penalty for improving the area around his backswing.
DeChambeau was furious, and apparently threatened to withdraw from the tournament in protest.Some players, like Xander Schauffele, came to his defense.Scottie Scheffler also was adamant that the 32-year-old is not a "cheater."One player who didn't come to his defense? Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy was clear in his post-round comments that he doesn't care for DeChambeau and believed he deserved the penalty.Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his tee shot on the 7th hole during the third day of the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale golf club in Southport, England, Saturday, July 18, 2026.(Peter Morrison/AP)"I won’t pretend to be up here and def...