Bryson DeChambeau found himself embroiled in controversy at The Open after receiving a two-shot penalty that significantly impacted his standing in the tournament. The penalty was imposed late on Friday night after officials determined that DeChambeau had altered the area of his backswing by flattening down grass on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale.

According to journalist Geoff Shackelford, DeChambeau expressed a desire to contact US President Donald Trump during discussions with the R&A about the penalty. This decision dropped him from second place and two shots off the lead at that time.

DeChambeau and Trump share a friendship, with the golfer serving on the president’s council on sports, fitness, and nutrition. He last visited the White House in May and has played golf with Trump before. In a similar vein, Trump had previously urged FIFA to review a red card issued to Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, which led to the suspension of the player's ban. However, DeChambeau's request for Trump’s intervention was reportedly declined.

When asked by BBC Sport about any communication from the president, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon confirmed, "No, I have not received a call from President Trump. Irrespective of which player this affected, it is the same decision – from a rules perspective it was clear cut."

After his round on Saturday, DeChambeau sought to retrieve his scorecard from the previous day, but his request was denied by the R&A. Ultimately, he finished the tournament in 14th place, six shots behind champion Ryan Fox, and opted not to speak to the media for the eighth consecutive major round. He later shared on Instagram, "A lot of ups and downs this week, to say the least. But I’m proud of the way I fought through it. Thank you to all my supporters for carrying me through. Onwards and upwards from here. Congratulations to @ryanfoxgolfer on an incredible win!"