Bryson DeChambeau Alleges Shocking $2 Million Extortion by Former Coach

Bryson DeChambeau, the charismatic and often controversial golf star, recently made headlines with allegations that his former coach, Mike Schy, attempted to extort him for $2 million. This revelation has added another chapter to the tumultuous saga of DeChambeau’s career, highlighting the complexities and pitfalls of professional relationships in the high-stakes world of sports.

According to Bryson DeChambeau, the extortion attempt followed his victory at the 2024 U.S. Open, where he claimed Schy demanded an exorbitant payout. DeChambeau described the situation as a betrayal by someone he once considered a mentor and close friend. The rift between the two has grown increasingly public and acrimonious, with both parties airing their grievances through the media.

Bryson DeChambeau and Schy’s relationship began in DeChambeau’s youth when Schy served as one of his first golf instructors in California. Schy was instrumental in shaping DeChambeau’s unconventional approach to the game, which included unique techniques and equipment choices. Their partnership yielded significant success, culminating in DeChambeau’s impressive rise in the golfing world. However, their collaboration ended officially in 2018, with sporadic contact until the recent fallout.

Bryson DeChambeau and the extortion allegations

The controversy began in 2023 when Schy approached Bryson DeChambeau with a proposal to create a series of affordable junior golf tournaments. Named the Jon DeChambeau Memorial Junior Tour in honor of DeChambeau’s late father, the initiative aimed to make golf more accessible to young players. Despite initial enthusiasm, DeChambeau and Schy disagreed on funding and management.

Schy organized several test events and, when asked about future funding, quoted $125,000 for two years. Bryson DeChambeau agreed to provide the funding via a “non-recourse loan,” meaning Schy would not be required to repay the money if the tour failed. However, DeChambeau’s agent, Brett Falkoff, reported that Schy failed to properly set up the necessary non-profit organization, leading to legal complications and distrust.

“I know Bryson and I knew he didn’t really want to give the money,” Schy told Golfweek. “And I certainly knew he didn’t want to give it for a long period of time.”

As tensions mounted, Schy shut down the junior tour and publicly criticized Bryson DeChambeau on social media. He accused DeChambeau of reneging on their agreement and expressed disappointment over the failed project. In a phone conversation with Golfweek, DeChambeau countered, alleging that Schy demanded $2 million after his U.S. Open win, a claim Schy did not deny but justified as a move to secure his future.

“It’s a disgruntled former employee, unfortunately, and it is what it is,” Bryson DeChambeau said. “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.”

Bryson DeChambeau emphasized that his reluctance to fund the tour was not about the money but about ensuring proper management and sustainability.

“I can give that money tomorrow. The point is I want to make it sustainable,” DeChambeau told Golfweek. “I don’t want to be divvying out money and giving it away fruitlessly. He said I hate non-profits, no, I said I hate the way they are usually run. That’s what I actually said. Everything I said is misconstrued and twisted in a way that is absolutely false.”

The dispute also highlighted personal grievances. Schy felt slighted by Bryson DeChambeau’s failure to acknowledge him after his U.S. Open victory, which he believed was a deliberate snub. DeChambeau’s agent, Brett Falkoff, suggested that Schy’s feelings were hurt by not being singled out for praise.

“I always tell Bryson don’t single out anyone individually, always mention the team,” Falkoff told Golfweek. “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.”

Schy also claimed that Bryson DeChambeau fired his son David, who was building a putting green in DeChambeau’s backyard. DeChambeau explained that he needed a clean break from the Schy family due to the alleged extortion attempt. Schy lamented that the fallout has left him struggling to restore the junior tour and maintain his reputation.

“He was using his placement in regards to my dad’s name to leverage a junior tour to be created so he could bring more kids out to his place, which I don’t care about,” DeChambeau told Golfweek. “All I care about is doing the right thing for the Central Valley, which is what I want to do and I will continue to do in numerous facets.”

DeChambeau’s career has been marked by both triumphs and controversies. With over $34 million in career earnings and significant victories, including two U.S. Open titles, he remains a prominent figure in golf. However, his unconventional methods and outspoken personality have often put him at odds with peers and the media.

The extortion allegations add another layer to Bryson DeChambeau’s complex public image. As he prepares for upcoming tournaments, including the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon, questions about his relationship with Schy and the junior tour dispute are likely to persist.

The feud underscores the pressures and conflicts that can arise in professional sports, where personal relationships often intersect with financial and business interests. For DeChambeau, the challenge will be to navigate these controversies while continuing to excel on the course.

In his defense, DeChambeau remains committed to supporting his community, albeit in a different manner than originally planned. “I’m going to be doing a lot for my community, just in a different fashion with a proper business plan and done correctly,” he stated.

As the golfing world watches, the resolution of this dispute may offer insights into the challenges athletes face off the course and the importance of transparency and trust in their professional relationships.