Golf fans are turning up the heat on NBC, slamming the network's coverage of Bryson DeChambeau during the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. The controversy erupted after DeChambeau was hit with a two-stroke penalty for improving his swing area on the fifth hole, and NBC's analysts didn't hold back in their criticism.
DeChambeau, who shot a 4-under 66 in the second round, was penalized after his ball landed in thick fescue. An R&A spokesperson explained that DeChambeau inadvertently broke Rule 8.1 by moving natural objects during his backswing. Despite the setback, DeChambeau vowed to stay in the tournament, posting on social media: "Obviously disappointed with the ruling. I don’t agree with it, but it is what it is. This fires me up. Onto the weekend. Let’s get it."
But it wasn't just the penalty that stirred the pot. NBC's analysts, led by Brandel Chamblee, have been relentless in their critique. Chamblee said, "Bryson did everything but lay down behind it or take a weed whacker to the tall grass behind it. Multiple infractions. Absolutely condemning. Absolutely clear. I don’t really know what he was arguing about."
Fans, however, are siding with DeChambeau. Social media erupted with accusations of bias, pointing to a segment where NBC cut to a "Playing Through" feature just as DeChambeau approached the first tee. One user wrote, "NBC in Playing Through for Bryson’s arrival to the first tee with no audio. Just cannot make it up." Another declared, "That is a fireable mistake. NBC’s coverage is honestly the biggest joke I’ve seen."
The criticism echoes similar complaints about NBC's golf coverage in the past, with one fan tweeting, "It is amazing how bad their coverage is every single year." Another added, "It’s genuinely embarrassing how everyone on NBC blatantly shows their bias with Bryson Dechambeau. They cannot stand him and don’t hide it at all."
This isn't the first time a major sports network has faced backlash for its coverage. Earlier this year, Pam Shriver blasted ESPN for similar issues at Wimbledon, and fans criticized stalking-level coverage of a sports reporter's family vacation. The pattern suggests a growing frustration with how networks handle high-profile athletes.
For DeChambeau, a win at Royal Birkdale would be the ultimate response. It would silence critics and prove that he can thrive under pressure. But for now, the focus remains on NBC's questionable editorial choices. As one fan summed it up, "Just awful production."
The Open Championship continues this weekend, and all eyes will be on DeChambeau—and on NBC's coverage.
