Some golf fans are convinced President Donald Trump will play a major role in this weekend’s Open Championship.
DeChambeau seemed on his way to a second-place finish at the end of Friday’s round, especially after carding a 4-under 66. However, he received a 2-stroke penalty for a rules infraction on the 5th hole. The footage from USA Network showed him improving his lie after his ball got stuck in the fescue.
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Now that DeChambeau has been assessed a 2-stroke penalty, he finds himself sitting at 5-under par through two rounds.
“Bryson has been penalized two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended back swing on the fifth hole, his second shot,” an R&A spokesperson said. “The player must not move, bend or break any natural object. This rule applies even when there is no intention.”
Jul 17, 2026; Southport, ENG; Bryson DeChambeau reacts after making a birdie on the 18th hole during the second round of The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images.
Although he’s just three strokes back of the leader (Lucas Herbert), it sounds like DeChambeau may not show up for the third round. After all, the two-time U.S. Open champion was furious with the rules official at Royal Birkdale.
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While there’s zero indication that Trump will get involved in this controversy, some people believe he’ll intervene due to his friendship with DeChambeau.
“I wonder if Bryson DeChambeau will ask Trump to call the R&A,” one fan wrote on X.
“Donald Trump needs to make a call on this Bryson DeChambeau ruling,” a second fan commented.
“Trump is gonna make the call and get that Bryson Dechambeau penalty stroke removed by the morning,” another fan said.
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Trump has already helped change one sports ruling this month.
Earlier this month, Trump caused quite the stir when he called FIFA president Gianni Infantino asked him to review the red card that USMNT star Folarin Balogun received in the Round of 32 against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
“All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say, you have to do this,” Trump said at a White House media briefing. “This man is a smart, tough man, Gianni Infantino. He’s a smart, tough man, and his stock has gone through the roof because the job he has done has been great. I feel like we have to have all the best players on the field.”
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Could Trump call the R&A to see if he can get DeChambeau’s penalty reversed? Sure, but we highly doubt that happens.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Jul 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the Golf section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.