Portnoy backs McIlroy’s comments on DeChambeau’s Open Championship penalty

By Olivia Hughes — 20 July 2026 — 3 min read

Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, has expressed full agreement with Rory McIlroy’s recent statements regarding Bryson DeChambeau’s two-stroke penalty at The Open Championship. The penalty, assessed after the second round, was for “improving the area of his backswing” in a tall grass section of the course.

McIlroy, who has openly stated he is not particularly fond of DeChambeau, characterized the LIV Golf player’s actions as “performative” and an attempt to gain attention. McIlroy observed the incident live and noted that other players in the lounge also felt something was amiss when DeChambeau made his step into the ball. He believed the two-shot penalty was justified, regardless of whether DeChambeau’s actions were careless or intentional.

Reactions to the Penalty

McIlroy highlighted the inconvenience caused by the situation, stating that DeChambeau held the tournament “hostage,” causing players, volunteers, and others to wait for his departure. He viewed this as a negative reflection on DeChambeau. McIlroy further commented that he does not see himself as performative, in contrast to DeChambeau, whom he described as “smoke and mirrors” and someone intentionally trying to craft an image.

Portnoy echoed these sentiments during a segment on “Wake Up Barstool,” stating, “I agree with everything that Rory is saying… I like bad blood in golf. I like Bryson vs. Rory.” He added that he believes DeChambeau is attempting to create a specific public persona.

The penalty incident at The Open Championship, the final major tournament of the year, sparked broader discussions beyond the immediate rules infraction. Brett Falkoff, DeChambeau’s manager, indicated that his client was considering withdrawing from the tournament following the ruling, emphasizing that DeChambeau is “not a cheater.”

Broader Implications for Golf

The controversy surrounding DeChambeau’s penalty at Royal Birkdale highlighted a long-standing debate within golf concerning the individual versus the institution. Falkoff’s remarks suggested a willingness to challenge the established rules and governing bodies, such as the R&A.

Fans at Royal Birkdale were observed encouraging DeChambeau to confront the establishment, with some expressing disdain for the tournament organizers. DeChambeau is recognized as a prominent individual in the sport, known for his maverick approach and ability to draw attention, a characteristic amplified by his involvement with LIV Golf and his online presence.

The discussion also touched upon the enforcement of rules by golf’s governing bodies. There have been previous instances where decisions by organizations like the USGA regarding penalties have drawn criticism, such as the non-penalty for Wyndham Clark for a club-grounding event or the lack of public footage for Joaquin Niemann’s conduct violation. Some argue that an anti-establishment stance can be beneficial for golf, pushing the sport to modernize its practices and increase transparency.

However, the importance of institutions like the R&A in upholding the integrity of the game was also noted. The R&A’s stated mission is “To open golf to the world.” The enforcement of rules, even against popular players, is seen as crucial for maintaining fair play and the structure of the tournament. Scottie Scheffler, another prominent golfer, also acknowledged the complexity of the situation, indicating he had much to say but had not yet decided what to share publicly.

McIlroy pointed out that golf is largely a self-policing game, and while every shot of a well-known player might be on camera, many other players’ shots are not, making universal policing impossible. He concluded that when self-policing fails, governing bodies are responsible for addressing infractions. The ruling against DeChambeau was viewed by some as the R&A simply correcting an error, a necessary action to ensure the fairness of the competition.

The incident underscores the ongoing tension between individual player influence and the authority of golf’s governing bodies, a dynamic that continues to shape the sport.

The penalty was issued after the second round of The Open Championship.

Source: sports.yahoo.com