Bryson DeChambeau has accused a former coach, who he often referred to as his “second father”, of trying to extort him of $3 million following his US Open victory.
DeChambeau clinched his second US Open with a one-shot victory over Rory McIlroy at Pinehurst No.2 last month, earning him about $6.5 million.
His former coach Mike Schy was reportedly furious DeChambeau had forgotten to mention him in his victory speeches.
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Schy was also upset DeChambeau had pulled his financial stake in a not-for-profit junior golf tour Schy ran that carried the name of DeChambeau’s late father, Jon.
”It’s a complete and utter lie, all of it,” DeChambeau said in the explosive interview with Golfweek.
“It’s a disgruntled former employee, unfortunately, and it is what it is. We’ve had numerous conversations and it hasn’t worked out from a business standpoint.
“It’s quite disappointing how he’s turned this and spun this … I gave him my dad’s name, image and likeness for free on the assumption we’d have a good business plan and it just hasn’t worked out.
“I’m going to be doing a lot for my community, just in a different fashion with a proper business plan and done correctly.
“I’m at a high point right now and I’m a big character right now and I’m trying to do what’s right for the game of golf and you’re trying to bring my image down to hurt the game of golf essentially.
“This just ain’t a story, it’s a disgruntled employee, my friend.”
DeChambeau’s agent Brett Falkoff called Schy in the hours after DeChambeau’s victory, which he did regularly after tournaments. Schy was apparently furious DeChambeau hadn’t mentioned him after the victory.
Schy called him back two days later with a list of demands, including the reinstatement of a life-long $90,000 per year salary Schy previously earned for his work with a young DeChambeau.
“Mike says, ‘It’s time that Bryson opens up his chequebook and I get paid. I want ($3 million)’,” Falkoff said.
“I took that back to Bryson. He said, ‘I’m not paying him almost 50 per cent of my US Open winnings. That’s not going to happen. I’m willing to compensate him for help with (club manufacturers) Krank and Avoda but he’s not going to extort me for ($3 million)’.”
Schy was DeChambeau’s coach for well over a decade from his childhood until he turned professional. They continued to work together until as late as 2018.
DeChambeau once financially supported the Jon DeChambeau Memorial Junior Tour, but withdrew his support earlier this year.
“You would’ve thought I would’ve been able to come to him and say, ‘dude, I need ($90,000-$105,000) for the next few years to fund this tour,” Schy said.
“He should’ve said, ‘Are you sure that’s enough?’ I’m thinking, ‘Why am I begging for money for this?’ I was totally uncomfortable.
“I should’ve been able to ask for ($1.5million) and him going, ‘It’ll be in the bank tomorrow.’
“Instead, it’s gotta make a profit, it’s gotta be this, it’s gotta be that. How about we get it off the ground first and then we decide what it’s going to be? How about thanks, Mike, for starting my dad’s tour. Nope.”
“He said I’m his second dad, right? He treats me just like his real dad. He treated his dad like shit.”
Jon DeChambeau died in 2022 after a long health battle.
Falkoff said the tour did not have a proper business model, and the financial stake was not the issue.
He said he’d also previously warned Bryson against naming any individuals in victory celebrations.
”I always tell Bryson don’t single out anyone individually, always mention the team,” he said.
“Then you don’t have to worry about hurting anyone’s feelings. Mike’s feelings got hurt, that’s ultimately what led to all of this.”
DeChambeau will get a chance at another major victory in The Open Championship at Royal Troon next week.