McIlroy criticizes DeChambeau's penalty at The Open
Rory McIlroy said the two-stroke penalty imposed on Bryson DeChambeau was justified and called the incident disruptive, while other players offered a more measured view.
Rory McIlroy said the two-stroke penalty assessed to Bryson DeChambeau after a lengthy discussion with officials at The Open was warranted and disrupted the tournament. Speaking after his own third-round 69, McIlroy told reporters he was not inclined to defend DeChambeau and suggested the golfer’s behavior appeared aimed at attracting attention. He added that the situation forced players, volunteers and others to wait for DeChambeau to leave, which he felt was not a "great look."
McIlroy, a two-time Masters champion, said he believed DeChambeau had improved the line of his backswing and that, regardless of intent, the penalty was appropriate.
Former Open champion Xander Schauffele offered a more sympathetic perspective, noting that DeChambeau claimed the infraction was unintentional and that the penalty came while he was playing well.
DeChambeau responded with a solid third round, shooting one-under to move to six-under for the tournament, four strokes behind leader Sam Burns. McIlroy remains tied for 30th at two-under and will need a strong final round to contend.