Golf
Report: Bryson DeChambeau’s agent in furious row (!) with golf reporter at US Open
Bryson DeChambeau’s agent Brett Falkoff was reportedly involved in a furious argument with Golf Channel’s Damon Hack over how the golfer is covered.
The heated exchange is said to have occurred shortly after DeChambeau completed his third round at the 2024 US Open.
DeChambeau teed up a glorious chance to claim his second major championship win at Pinehurst No.2 and will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the third men’s major of the year today (Sunday).
The argument is understood to have happened right behind the 18th green as DeChambeau hung around to sign a few autographs, take pictures with fans and talk to accredited media, according to No Laying Up’s Kevin Van Valkenburg.
He told the podcast: “Bryson’s agent, Brett Falkoff and Damon Hack got into a big shouting match right behind 18 green as Bryson was wrapping up.
“And the gist of, which we could all overhear, all the media were sort of gathered there — this was not like a private conversation.
“This was the two of them being very heated and continued into the parking lot. Saying, ‘You guys have talked a lot of s— about Bryson.
“And you think now you can get whatever you want? I want to give him the option to decline the opportunity.'”
Yahoo Sports reporter Jay Busbee claimed the report was true, writing on X: “Can confirm.”
Van Valkenburg also told the podcast DeChambeau was not involved in the exchange.
The row was more than likely over how the American channel covers LIV Golf League players.
DeChambeau joined the Saudi-backed breakaway tour in June 2022.
Saudi Arabia have been accused of trying to use global sport as a means to try and soften their image globally.
The practice is known as sportswashing.
Former PGA Tour player Brandel Chamblee has been the most vocal LIV critic on Golf Channel.
Chamblee questioned DeChambeau’s faith when he joined LIV.
He has called for Phil Mickelson to be removed from golf’s hall of fame and labelled the circuit as ‘an insult to the integrity of competition’.
Chamblee also criticised LIV players during last night’s broadcast when it the topic was brought up about breakaway tour players struggling to qualify for the forthcoming Olympics.
“Well LIV guys knew what they signed up for,” Chamblee said.
Van Valkenburg continued: “Damon’s point was, ‘I am not the entire Golf Channel. I don’t represent the views of everyone. I’ve been pretty fair to him.’
“And I think Brett’s point was, ‘That doesn’t matter, Eamon (Lynch) has been very hard on Bryson and he sits next to Eamon at the desk.’ We were all kind of like, ‘Woah, this is some tea here.’
“Bryson was not involved in any of this. It’s not something that he should have to answer for. But it is clear that his team around him is very protective of him and is willing to sort of — I don’t know if settle scores is the right word — but to basically say, ‘If you have been talking s—, then your bills are coming due.
“He’s the best man in the game and you’re not going to get any time with him. You’re not going to get what you want.”