Bryson DeChambeau allegedly threatened to phone US President Donald Trump during a heated debate with R&A officials after receiving a two-shot penalty at the 2026 Open, according to The Guardian.
The penalty was assessed during the second round at Royal Birkdale's fifth hole.
Officials determined DeChambeau improved the line of his swing by stepping on long grass behind his golf ball.
The infraction knocked the 32-year-old golfer out of second place on the leaderboard.
DeChambeau strongly contested the decision and returned to the location with senior referees and the R&A head of governance.
Upon returning to the scoring area, R&A Chief Executive Mark Darbon joined the discussions.
During the exchanges, DeChambeau reportedly brought up calling Trump if the penalty was not rescinded.
No evidence suggests the phone call took place, and the R&A did not comment on the matter.
Following Saturday's third round, DeChambeau visited Darbon's office to request his second-round scorecard. The unusual appeal was turned down by the R&A chief executive.
Rory McIlroy later commented on the penalty decision.
DeChambeau finished tied for 14th place, marking his best performance in a major tournament in 2026. He avoided mainstream media duties throughout the event.
He travels next to the JCB Golf and Country Club to compete in LIV Golf's UK event starting Thursday.
