Bryson DeChambeau had a rough finish at the European Open, but he was also criticized for how he acted in defeat.
DeChambeau led the European Tour event with four holes to play, but a frustrating bogey-bogey-par-triple bogey finish dropped him into a tie for 13th.
DeChambeau’s playing partner, 39-year-old Richard McEvoy, drained a 20-footer on the final hole to pick up his first career victory in 285 career Euro Tour starts. McEvoy was rightfully ecstatic, but not DeChambeau, who added to his misery by missing a short putt for double bogey on the last. When DeChambeau finished he removed his cap, but his handshake and interaction with McEvoy was surprisingly brief. Many on social media were quick to criticize him, among them Eddie Pepperell, who was fresh off a T6 finish at the British Open.
Has to be said, as far as classless handshakes go, that was a good’n!
— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) July 29, 2018
DeChambeau, who recently showed more hints of frustration during a driving range session at Carnoustie, took to Instagram to address his actions on the 18th.
“I apologize to Richard McEvoy and the fans for my brevity on 18,” he wrote. “He is a class act, worthy champion and I enjoyed playing with him the past two days.”
DeChambeau’s complete message is below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl09g0YBN8Z