Iona Stephen revealed that she heard just one boo all day directed at Bryson DeChambeau during Saturday’s round at The Open Championship.
One of the more intriguing subplots heading into the third round at Royal Birkdale was how the crowd were going to treat DeChambeau after he was handed a two-shot penalty on Friday evening.
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The R&A deemed that DeChambeau had unintentionally improved the lie around his ball while in the thick rough on the fifth hole during the second round.
How the crowd treated Bryson DeChambeau on Saturday at The Open Championship
DeChambeau was clearly far from happy with the decision. There were even doubts over whether he would play on Saturday, with his agent suggesting that the two-time US Open champion was unsure.
Of course, DeChambeau did play as he looks to win the Claret Jug for the first time in his career.
Some may have been concerned that the crowd may not take too kindly to his antics. However, it seems that the spectators in Southport were very keen to show their support for the LIV Golf star.
Speaking on Sky Sports as DeChambeau prepared to chip onto the 18th green, Iona Stephen suggested that she had heard almost nothing of a negative nature.
“Well, it’s been very interesting this afternoon. Full support for Bryson DeChambeau. Only once did I hear a boo. Once in four hours, so understandably he was giving thanks walking up there onto this green. I’d say he’s firmly moved on in his mind, and you can see he’s been totally focused on golf today,” she said.
Bryson DeChambeau heckled as he completed his third round at Royal Birkdale
Unfortunately, the good behaviour did not continue right until the end of the round.
DeChambeau is an extremely divisive figure. And according to journalist Ewan Murray on X, one person in the stands decided to vent their frustration with him.
He wrote: ‘“Bryson ya cheat” bellows a voice from the 18th stands as playing partner Sam Burns lines up a putt. “Up The R&A” called out as DeChambeau prepared for his par attempt.‘
Had DeChambeau taken his penalty with no arguments, it is likely that most would have had a lot more sympathy for him.
It is impossible to say with certainty that he intended to make his shot easier. The grass was so long and was growing in all sorts of directions, so it was always going to be difficult to stay the right side of the line.
But his reaction seemed to be so petulant that it was most surprising that he received such a warm reception on Saturday.
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