Rory McIlroy has issued a scathing attack on Bryson DeChambeau over his 'performative' behaviour and ‘holding the tournament hostage’ during a rules fiasco at The Open.

DeChambeau appeared to have carded a 66 at Royal Birkdale, but was adjudged to have improved the line of his swing in long grass. This resulted in a two-shot penalty, dropping him three strokes behind halfway leader Lucas Herbert.

McIlroy criticized the lengthy dispute, noting that the decision was not confirmed for nearly 80 minutes after DeChambeau walked off the 18th green. This delay meant Saturday's tee times were not released until nearly 11pm.

While DeChambeau expressed disappointment on social media, McIlroy insisted the penalty was justified. Grant Moir of The R&A explained the penalty applied under Rule 8.1, even though the action was accidental.