Davies Backs McIlroy: Don't Invite DeChambeau Back
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- Rory McIlroy labeled Bryson DeChambeau 'performative' during The Open at Royal Birkdale, prompting Dame Laura Davies to say McIlroy 'gets fed up with the likes of DeChambeau' and 'had enough of the circus.'
- DeChambeau received a controversial two-shot penalty at Royal Birkdale and told officials 'I'm not going to play,' delaying the weekend draw — a moment players in the lounge watched unfold in real time, McIlroy said.
- DeChambeau has made a point of refusing to speak to media even while performing well, prompting Davies to argue: 'If we can still play without Tiger Woods, the game's doing alright' and that tournaments should warn 'you will not be invited back.'
- Dame Laura Davies framed media access as non-negotiable: 'In my day, when I was decent, every single round you were asked questions after the round and you answered them — that's what you're supposed to do.'
- McIlroy's week at Royal Birkdale was 'clumsy,' per Davies, with strong ball-striking undermined by poor putting on fast greens, though he had 'given it everything, like he always does.'
- McIlroy captured one of the season's four majors, which Davies called 'a brilliant season in the majors' given the current depth of competition, despite his high personal standards.
Why it matters: The Open incident reignites a debate over player media obligations, with a respected major champion (Davies) endorsing sanctions against DeChambeau if he continues refusing press — a stance that could pressure tournament organizers to formalize consequences for non-compliant players.
