Bryson DeChambeau has broken his silence on the controversy that surrounded him at the 2026 Open Championship, saying he has accepted what happened and is now focused on moving forward. The two-time U.S. Open champion spoke to reporters after his opening round at LIV Golf UK, his first media session since last week’s dramatic events at Royal Birkdale.
DeChambeau began his week at LIV Golf UK in impressive fashion, carding an 8-under 64 to put himself among the early leaders. It was a strong response after a difficult week at The Open, where his title challenge was overshadowed by a rules dispute.
ALSO READ: Bryson DeChambeau Snubs Media Again After Open Championship Exit
Although disappointed with how things unfolded, DeChambeau said he has put the incident behind him and is concentrating on the tournaments ahead.
DeChambeau Reflects On Dramatic Week at Royal Birkdale
DeChambeau looked like a genuine contender for the Claret Jug after the second round of The Open. He finished Friday just one shot behind leader Lucas Herbert after making birdie on his final hole.
However, shortly after leaving the 18th green, R&A officials informed him that he had received a two-shot penalty for improving the area of his intended backswing in the rough on the fifth hole.
The decision dropped him further down the leaderboard and led to a lengthy discussion with rules officials on the course. DeChambeau strongly disagreed with the ruling but eventually accepted the penalty and continued playing in the championship.
Looking back on the incident, he admitted the penalty and a costly mistake later in the tournament left him wondering what could have been.
“Yeah, I made the cut,” DeChambeau joked before reflecting on the week. “I wish I would have given it more on Saturday and Sunday. Besides the fifth hole and being three-over on that hole and then the 11th hole, that’s six shots. That’s tied for the lead right there.”
LIV Golf Star Says It Is Time To Move On
Despite his frustration, DeChambeau said he no longer wants to dwell on the controversy.
“Life goes on,” he said. “There are moments of adversity, like everyone has in life. I was passionate about what I believed and thought I was right. For me, it’s now in a place that it is what it is. You keep moving through it. You keep moving past it.”
He added that his full attention is now on LIV Golf UK and the chance to compete for another title.
The incident at Royal Birkdale sparked debate across the golf world. Rory McIlroy supported the R&A’s decision and described DeChambeau’s actions as “performative,” while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler defended his fellow American, saying he did not believe DeChambeau had intentionally broken the rules.
DeChambeau eventually finished tied for 14th at The Open, six shots behind champion Ryan Fox. His opening-round 64 at LIV Golf UK suggests he has quickly put the disappointment behind him and is once again focused on winning.
Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
