Rory McIlroy has criticised fellow golfer Bryson DeChambeau, accusing him of "holding the tournament hostage" during the second round of the 2026 Open Championship. McIlroy's remarks came after DeChambeau received a two-stroke penalty, with subsequent discussions between DeChambeau and tournament officials delaying the release of the third round's tee times, disrupting proceedings for other players and organisers.

McIlroy described DeChambeau's behaviour following the penalty as "performative" and "for attention," and added that he is "not particularly fond" of the American. The incident has drawn attention away from the golf itself, with McIlroy's comments highlighting ongoing friction between the two high-profile players amid the disruption caused to the tournament schedule.