Bryson DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty during the second round of The Open at Royal Birkdale, a decision he stated he disagreed with. The penalty was issued for an alleged rules infringement on the fifth hole, where he was accused of trampling on long grass near his ball.
Initially, DeChambeau appeared to be one shot off the lead at seven under par after carding a four-under 66. However, officials escorted him away from the course to discuss the potential rules violation. Following an extended discussion with Open rules officials, the two-shot penalty was confirmed for “inadvertently improving his lie,” which moved him to five under par and three shots behind leader Lucas Herbert.
Incident at the fifth hole
On the fifth hole, DeChambeau’s tee shot landed in deep, waist-high rough. Videos reportedly showed the American seemingly trampling down the rough behind his ball. The ruling determined that DeChambeau had not “played the course as it is found,” violating Rule 8.1, which pertains to actions that “improve conditions affecting the stroke.” This rule covers the area of a player’s intended swing, which DeChambeau was found to have interfered with.
Grant Moir, the R&A‘s executive director of governance, explained that DeChambeau was penalised for “inadvertently improving the area of intended backswing on fifth hole.” Moir stressed that this rule applies even if the action is accidental. DP World Tour rules official Graeme Storm, working as a summariser, noted that improving the line of play for the club constitutes improving the lie, resulting in a two-shot penalty.
The incident unfolded dramatically after DeChambeau birdied the 18th hole. Rules officials investigated, driving him back to the fifth hole to assess the situation. An animated discussion ensued, with DeChambeau reportedly appearing frustrated. After approximately 15 minutes, he returned to the scoring area, where he spent over 20 minutes in the recorders’ office with officials, including R&A chief executive Mark Darbon.
DeChambeau’s reaction and impact on standings
After emerging from the office, DeChambeau declined to answer questions from the assembled media, only remarking, “Are you guys having a great night? I’m having a great night.” He then stated he was going to “hit some balls” and headed to the driving range, where he posed for a selfie with fans before speaking with his team.
Later, DeChambeau posted on X: “Obviously disappointed with the ruling. I don’t agree with it, but it is what it is. This fires me up. Onto the weekend. Let’s get it.” His agent, Brett Falkoff, suggested DeChambeau was “not careful enough walking around a sensitive area” and “wasn’t given the benefit of the doubt.”
The penalty significantly altered the leaderboard. DeChambeau’s score was adjusted from seven under to five under, moving him from solo second place to a tie for fifth with Sam Burns and Si Woo Kim. Jackson Suber, who held the first-round lead, moved into the final group for Saturday afternoon with Herbert.
Prior performance and strategy
Before the penalty, DeChambeau had been praised for his performance on Friday afternoon. Despite increasing winds, he managed to put himself into contention. His approach contrasted with previous criticisms, such as those from three-time Open champion Nick Faldo, who had questioned DeChambeau’s strategy, suggesting he had “zero clue of strategy” for links courses.
DeChambeau’s recent major championship record included missed cuts at the Masters, US PGA Championship, and US Open. His opening round of 67 at Royal Birkdale, followed by his adjusted second round, aimed to avoid becoming the first multiple major winner since 1990 to miss all four cuts. Andrew Murray, a former European Tour winner, observed DeChambeau’s patience and sensible approach during the round, particularly noting his short game and “linksy golf.”
The dramatic evening concluded with DeChambeau hitting balls on the driving range until almost 22:30 BST.
Read Also
Source: bbc.co.uk
You may also like
Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”