U.S. Open: Bryson DeChambeau declines media duties after second round disaster at Shinnecock Hills

Bryson DeChambeau reportedly decided to skip media duties after finishing outside the projected cut at the halfway stage of the 2026 U.S. Open. 

DeChambeau played the first 18 holes of the third men's major of the year in even par but rode the Shinnecock Hills rollercoaster on Friday. 

The 32-year-old LIV Golf recruit mixed four bogeys, three birdies and two double bogeys for a five-over 75. 

It left the American two shots outside of the projected cut with the afternoon wave yet to complete their rounds.

According to ESPN's Paolo Uggetti, DeChambeau declined requests to talk to reporters on site. 

He did, however, high five some kids and sign some autographs before making his way off the golf course.

Another disappointing day for DeChambeau

It was a bitterly disappointing afternoon for DeChambeau. 

He got off to a dreadful start with back-to-back bogeys on the third and fourth holes. 

Both were as a result of poor chip shots on the front of the green and some dodgy putting. 

Sky Sports Golf commenter Andrew Coltart heavily criticised DeChambeau on day two for his club selection, appearing baffled the golfer always seems to "go after" everything. 

For example, DeChambeau elected to hit a five iron on the long par-three second whilst his playing partner, Gary Woodland, hit a two iron and found the heart of the green. 

Woodland, 42, is still one of the longest hitters on the PGA Tour. 

"He has ball speeds of over 190mph with a driver and he’s going in with a two iron," said Coltart of Woodland. 

"Yet Bryson is trying to crunch a five iron. You are telling me that Bryson is four clubs longer than the longest man on Tour?

"Bryson has won this two times. The guy is a huge talent but I can’t help thinking he is just trying to muller everything. 

"If it works, it's fine, but it's a game of percentages. Three iron for Wyndham Clark. 

"That just says the only way for Bryson to get at it with the equipment he's got is to absolutely go at it, 100 per cent, and leave nothing behind. 

"I'm not sure you can do that with every club in the bag.

"Sometimes there has to be a little bit of finesse, there’s got to be taking things off or adding things on."

DeChambeau bounced back with a birdie at the fifth but immediately gave it back at the next hole, two-putting for bogey.

From there, he was unable to rescue his round. He turned in 38 and dropped more strokes at 13, 15 and 17. 

A 15-foot birdie putt rolled round the edge of the cup on the 18th. Had it dropped, it would've greatly improved his chances of making the weekend. 

There's still a chance DeChambeau will make the cut but as things stand it doesn't look good. 

DeChambeau's poor major record in 2026 continues

It means DeChambeau is likely to miss three major championship cuts in a row. 

In April, DeChambeau collapsed at the 18th hole to miss the cut by two strokes.

He fought valiantly to make the cut at the PGA Championship but the damage was done with a 76 at Aronimink on day one.  

DeChambeau has several weeks off now and is unlikely to play another event before next month's Open at Royal Birkdale. 

He will be making his ninth appearance in golf's oldest major. 

DeChambeau finished in a share of 10th last year at Royal Portrush. 

The next few weeks are crucial for the LIV Golf League. 

The breakaway tour will no longer be funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund after the conclusion of the 2026 season. 

DeChambeau has reportedly been heavily involved in efforts to save LIV, who are seeking some $350m from new investors. 

The Money in Sport newsletter reported during the U.S. Open that LIV continues to be funded by the PIF, albeit through loans.