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.
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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During the exchanges, DeChambeau reportedly brought up calling Trump if the penalty was not rescinded.
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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.
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He travels next to the JCB Golf and Country Club to compete in LIV Golf's UK event starting Thursday.
