Ever since Bryson DeChambeau arrived on the worldwide golfing scene, his presence has been polarizing. Never one to accept the status quo, DeChambeau has danced to the beat of his own drum, which has led him down a path of success on the world’s biggest stages.
The winner of three professional titles in the last three years, DeChambeau was in position to make 2018 his first multi-win season in the pros. Leading alone with four holes to play, DeChambeau melted down the stretch of the Porsche European Open finishing bogey-bogey-par-triple bogey, which included hitting four balls into the assorted hazards around the Green Eagle North Course.
The brutal stretch dropped DeChambeau into a tie for 13th while his playing partner, 39-year-old journeyman pro Richard McEvoy, sank a 20-footer for birdie and the win on the 72nd hole. With DeChambeau tapping in for triple bogey and McEvoy enjoying the fruits of his labor, fans, players and critics alike buried DeChambeau for his classlessness in defeat.
Has to be said, as far as classless handshakes go, that was a good’n!
— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) July 29, 2018
“Has to be said, as far as classless handshakes go, that was a good’n!” European Tour pro Eddie Pepperell tweeted.
Other opinions streamed in on social media shortly thereafter.
Just seen DeChambeau’s reaction at the end of Porsche Open. Fair enough, he was upset. But he showed absolutely no class. Well done McEvoy
— James Corrigan (@jcorrigangolf) July 29, 2018
Bryson DeChambeau has clearly not gone to the “Nicklaus School of Congratulating a Winner”. Very poor form on 18 today. #showmoreclass
— Jamie?Slonis (@JamieSlonis) July 29, 2018
Bryson DeChambeau what a disgrace! Richard McEvoy wins his first ever European tour event after 255 times trying over the years and Bryson walks of the green sulking after he won disgusting!
— Jordan Vine (@jordanvine1) July 29, 2018
Bryson DeChambeau just triple-bogeyed the last at the European Open, but showed a distinct lack of class towards winner Richard McEvoy. No congratulations and stormed off. Very poor.
— Darren Plant (@Dazman5) July 29, 2018
To DeChambeau’s credit, he was quick to see the error of his ways and posted an apology and congratulations on Instagram, saying in part, ” I apologize to Richard McEvoy and the fans for my brevity on 18. He is a class act, worthy champion and I enjoyed playing with him the past two days.”
DeChambeau is in the field at this week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club as well as the PGA Championship at Bellerive in two weeks. Currently, he sits at 9th in the U.S. Ryder Cup rankings. The top-8 are automatically qualified for the team.
