Accusations of extortion and a bitter war of words – but Bryson DeChambeau focused on winning back-to-back Majors

DeChambeau’s former coach Mike Schy accuses the US Open champion of reneging on a promise to fund the cost of a junior tour in California, named after DeChambeau’s late father Jon.

In response, DeChambeau told Golfweek that “it is a complete and utter lie,” called Schy a “disgruntled employee” and accused him and his agent of trying to “extort” Schy out of $2 million following DeChambeau’s second U.S. Open victory at Pinehurst last month.

Schy had worked with DeChambeau since he was 11 and was often referred to as his second father by the world number nine.

“He said I’m his second father, right?” Schy said in the Golfweek article. “He treats me just like his real father. He treated his father like crap.”

When asked during his pre-Open press conference whether his relationship with Schy was irreparably broken, DeChambeau said: “Look, it’s an unfortunate situation.

“I have loved this man all my life and it is a private matter that has unfortunately become public. We have tried to sort it out and make it understandable for everyone, but we have not succeeded.

“I’ve said everything I said in the Golfweek article, and to be honest, I’m going to move on and look forward to a great tournament this week. I won’t have any of that in the rearview mirror.

“History is history, and things work themselves out. They always do.”

DeChambeau has been in brilliant form in the majors this season. He finished sixth in the Masters, where he improved his personal par of 67 at Augusta National by two strokes in the first round. He also finished second in the US PGA Championship, behind a record-breaking Xander Schauffele.

However, his Open Championship results are not as impressive. In 2022, he has only finished in the top 10 in six previous appearances at St Andrews.

The 30-year-old is also competing in the Troon event for the first time, having turned pro only three months before the Open was last held in Ayrshire in 2016.

“It’s a tough golf course,” DeChambeau said. “That back nine has some teeth and you’ve got to hit it straight, you’ve got to control your golf ball.

“Controlling that golf ball downwind is super important this week. I hit the golf ball really high, so it’s always been a bit of a problem. I need to keep the ball a little bit more downwind, keep a lower flight.

“I played well at Royal Lytham when it was firm and fast in the Walker Cup. Played well at St Andrews. Played well elsewhere.

“But it’s always been a tough test for me because I wasn’t that good at putting early in my career. I’ve gotten a little bit better. My wedge game has gotten better. I’ve learned to fly the ball a little bit.

“It’s coming slowly. Just a few more reps. If I can play the golf I’ve been playing so far, I think I’ll give myself a great chance.”