Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred controversy in the golf world following his effusive praise of Bryson DeChambeau’s victory at the 2024 U.S. Open, which many interpret as a subtle jab at Rory McIlroy.
In a dramatic final round at Pinehurst, McIlroy held a two-shot lead with five holes remaining but faltered with bogeys on the 15th and 16th holes. A missed four-foot par putt on the 18th sealed his fate, allowing DeChambeau to clinch the title with a remarkable sand save .
Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to congratulate DeChambeau, stating: “Congratulations to Bryson DeChambeau on his incredible WIN of the United States Open! He showed a toughness and inner strength, matched perfectly with his GREAT Golfing Talent, that can never be denied!” He further lauded DeChambeau’s performance under pressure, particularly highlighting his “spectacular sand save on the 18th Hole” .
While Trump did not mention McIlroy directly, his omission was noted by fans and commentators, especially given McIlroy’s high-profile collapse. In a subsequent appearance on DeChambeau’s YouTube series “Break 50,” Trump discussed the final moments of the tournament, remarking on the pressure DeChambeau faced and the potential criticism he would have endured had he missed his final putt. Trump commented on the harsh judgments athletes face, saying, “Some guy that’s 150 pounds overweight, he would have said, ‘He’s a choker, he can’t play'” .(
The relationship between Trump and McIlroy has been complex. In early 2025, McIlroy revealed he had played golf with Trump and believed the former president was “on the PGA Tour’s side” regarding the ongoing discussions to unify men’s professional golf .l
Despite the recent tensions, DeChambeau later shared that McIlroy had reached out to congratulate him on his U.S. Open win, indicating a gesture of sportsmanship from the Northern Irish golfer .
As the golf world continues to navigate the complexities of league affiliations and player dynamics, Trump’s comments add another layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding the sport’s top figures.