What The Open fans think of Bryson DeChambeau after his controversial penalty

SOUTHPORT, England — Daylight was fading, but behind the grandstand on Royal Birkdale’s famous 18th hole, one couple were about to strike lucky.

Sarah and Simon Lynch from Dublin had made the short journey across the Irish Sea to watch the best golfers in the world compete at The Open and Day 2 was about to get tasty.

The pair caught a sneak peek of the World No.1 Scottie Scheffler and watched some of the action as leader Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns equalled the lowest-ever round in Open Championship history with stunning 62s. Their most captivating moment, though, was a brief interaction with the man at the centre of a storm. Just minutes after a raging Bryson DeChambeau emerged from the scorer’s hut after signing his card for a 68, which included a controversial two-shot penalty for improving the area of his intended backswing on the fifth hole, the big-hitting entertainer noticed the couple waiting patiently and turned on the charm.

For a few seconds, he was no longer the furious figure who had just returned from a lengthy debate with a rules official, but instead a man of the people. His quick scribble on a Royal Birkdale flag gave the couple the collector’s item they were never really expecting, but one that made their experience at The Open even more memorable for years to come.

“It was worth the wait,” beamed Simon to The Athletic, and there sank another two spectators deep into the ever-growing Bryson DeChambeau fan club.

The two-time major winner works the galleries well and connects with people. Whether he genuinely enjoys signing autographs for the countless fans he meets every day, or does it simply to enhance his image is another conversation. But undoubtedly it works.

DeChambeau’s YouTube channel and social media activity have also given him momentum. No longer is he just an impressive player, albeit on LIV Golf, which holds far less value to most spectators in the UK, but someone who creates moments worth watching. And why do people go to a golf event? To be entertained.

The reason DeChambeau is so heavily followed is that he brings more entertainment than most. With his long drives, ridiculous take-ons, miraculous recoveries and wild misses, there’s always an edge of mystery attached to his game. You also get to see weird stuff like a pitching wedge the same length as another golfer’s 5-iron, and a swing so fast that it makes a bullet train look like a snail. There was even a drum roll for him to drive the green on No.9, which no other player ever gets.

But nobody likes a cheat, and whether he broke the rules on purpose or by mistake is a matter of opinion and one that remained sharply divided on the course today.

Charlie, Sam and James all visited on Saturday from London and said he was right to be punished for his actions. “He knew what he was doing because he went over to that specific area where his ball was placed and stamped the long grass down so his club head would not get tangled up,” Charlie said.

Gary Thompson from nearby Huyton cheered on DeChambeau’s playing partner Sam Burns to take a stand. “When he stamped around like that he knew what he was doing. Then he threw his rattle out of the pram because the officials nicked him. All the people are supporting him, but I’m not. I don’t want him to win. I think it would be tainted if he did win it.”

Jerry, Adam, Matt and Pat, visiting from Philadelphia, were split with their opinions, with Jerry saying: “I think the R&A targeted Bryson. If it was another dude then people wouldn’t be talking about it.”

Locals John and George also said they were cheering for other players, but quietly pleased by his punishment. “I don’t like him so it’s fine by me, although I could see him come out smoking because this will fire him up,” said George.

Regardless of what some people think, there was still an overwhelmingly positive vibe around him. Spectators at The Open are recognised as both fair and balanced. Multiple players in the field echoed those views in advance of the tournament, but the truth is many still have their favourites, DeChambeau included.

The first tee was packed for his opening shot on Saturday, and he lapped up the added attention, raising his hand to each side of the grandstand in appreciation of the reception. A heavy police presence followed a huge media scrum, and whether it’s a few thousand huddled behind a rope, or 100 million viewers on TikTok, there’s now always a duty to please.

“I like him because of his YouTube channel,” said 16-year-old Anders Northup from Georgia. His father, John, added: “We always follow and watch him. Yesterday was unfortunate. It was terrible. I watched the replay, and I just honestly didn’t see the foul.”

Katie Stoneburner from Jacksonville, Fla., said that she would be following as many of his shots as possible, and added: “I like his YouTube content and I hope the penalty doesn’t push him back.”

Jamie from Liverpool, part of a group of six spectators, also said he wanted him to lift the Claret Jug: “He’s a great entertainer and the sport needs more of them.”

That DeChambeau is high up the leaderboard comes as a surprise, admittedly, given he missed the cut in all three majors this year, while Sir Nick Faldo suggested he had “no clue about strategy” and, like many, expected him to struggle.

Even those who had come for the unpredictable element in his game were rewarded with a bonus of genuinely clever play. Fans, young and old, from nearby and afar, follow him because they want to be there for the moment he hits that wild shot, whether good or bad, but he’s firmly in the race for the final major of the year and most of the crowd will be happy if he succeeds.

For others like Glenn and Marlene Mryglod, they’re not too fussed. The pair from Canada were drinking champagne and enjoying their third visit to The Open when they discussed the main talking point of the day. “We didn’t actually see it, but we like all the players,” said Glenn. “Bryson’s a strange one because of his technique. I can see him having problems later in life swinging like that.”

And there you have it, another talking point. Even those who don’t care about DeChambeau have something to say about him, which is just the way he likes it.