Smylie Kaufman Urges Players to Speak After Bryson Penalty

Kaufman’s Reaction to DeChambeau’s Penalty

Smylie Kaufman has urged fellow players to report potential rule breaches after the drama at this year’s Open Championship. The controversy centered on Bryson DeChambeau’s two‑shot penalty on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale for stepping around his ball in the long grass. As a LIV Golf competitor, DeChambeau considered reaching out to President Donald Trump in hopes of overturning the call, sparking debate over how officials treat players from different tours. Kaufman, however, dismissed any notion that the penalty was motivated by DeChambeau’s affiliation.

Kaufman appeared on The Smylie Show to address the situation, emphasizing that the issue was about the rules rather than any bias against LIV Golf players. He highlighted the difficulty of interpreting video evidence, noting that similar incidents involving Sam Burns at Oakmont and Wyndham Clark have drawn varying scrutiny. The former champion argued that better footage and clearer angles could prevent misunderstandings. He also warned that asking players to police each other could lead to resistance.

Proposed Changes to Golf’s Rules Enforcement

Kaufman proposed concrete changes to improve enforcement, suggesting an increase in on‑course officials and the possibility of placing at least one rules representative in each group. He argued that a stronger officiating presence could have averted the chaotic scene on Friday night. He also recommended encouraging players to speak up when they notice a breach, noting that peer input could complement official oversight. However, he recognized that elite golfers may be hesitant to accuse a competitor without certainty.

What It Means for the Future of The Open

Introducing a player‑driven reporting system, though, brings practical challenges, Kaufman noted, as professionals already face performance pressure. Adding a policing role could slow the pace of play, he warned, and he believes clearer video resources and a more robust officiating presence could strike a better balance. The goal, he added, is to protect the sport’s integrity without turning the gallery into a tribunal. Ultimately, Kaufman hopes that transparency and communication will keep the game credible for fans and participants alike.