Donald Trump has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Bryson DeChambeau’s two-shot penalty at the 2026 Open Championship, offering his thoughts after the incident became one of the biggest talking points of the tournament.
DeChambeau was penalized by R&A officials during the second round at Royal Birkdale after they ruled that he had inadvertently improved the area of his intended swing while playing his second shot on the fifth hole. The decision changed his score from a 66 to a 68 and dropped him further behind the leaders.
The ruling sparked widespread debate across the golf world, with players, analysts and fans divided over whether the punishment was justified. DeChambeau maintained that he felt the decision was unfair, although he ultimately continued in the championship.
Trump, a longtime supporter of DeChambeau and an avid golf enthusiast, said he was disappointed by the controversy and praised the LIV Golf star’s competitiveness. He also expressed hope that the focus would return to the golf rather than the incident itself.
The penalty remained one of the defining moments of the championship, with DeChambeau recovering to finish the tournament in a tie for 14th despite the setback.
As discussion continues over the application of the Rules of Golf, DeChambeau’s penalty is likely to remain a major talking point long after the final putt at Royal Birkdale.