Bryson DeChambeau’s continued involvement in the Open Championship is uncertain following a two-stroke penalty at Royal Birkdale. The penalty was issued after his second round, altering his position on the leaderboard and leading to a heated exchange with officials.
DeChambeau had seemingly completed an impressive second round, recording a 4-under 66, which placed him at 7-under for the tournament and just one shot behind leader Lucas Herbert. However, shortly after finishing, he was approached by tournament officials regarding a potential rules violation on the 5th hole.
Penalty and Reaction
The incident in question involved DeChambeau allegedly improving the area of his intended swing in thick rough on the 5th hole. Officials stated that he had trampled down grass behind his ball before playing his second shot. Although the action was deemed inadvertent, the penalty was applied under Rule 8.1, which restricts players from altering conditions affecting a stroke to gain a potential advantage.
After discussions with a tournament referee and Grant Moir, an executive director of the R&A, DeChambeau was assessed the two-stroke penalty. This changed his score for the 5th hole from a bogey to a triple-bogey 7, resulting in his second-round score becoming a 68. Consequently, his aggregate score shifted from 7-under to 5-under par, moving him from second place to a tie for fifth, three shots behind Herbert.
DeChambeau reportedly insisted on returning to the scene with a club to demonstrate his innocence. The exchange with officials became increasingly heated, with DeChambeau appearing to express that he would not play in the third round. Reports indicate he was heard calling officials “crooks” near the scorers’ tent.
Moir later issued a statement clarifying the ruling, emphasising that while DeChambeau’s actions were accidental, the rule applies even without intent to improve the area. He explained that the rule prohibits moving, bending, or breaking any growing or attached natural object that might reasonably affect any part of the swing.
Uncertainty for Round Three
Following the penalty, DeChambeau’s management team confirmed that his ongoing participation in the tournament is uncertain. When asked about teeing up for Saturday’s round, DeChambeau stated, “I’m going to practice, guys.” He was observed hitting balls on the range for nearly an hour, concluding his session late in the evening.
This penalty also meant DeChambeau was knocked out of day three’s final group. The decision on whether he will play in the third round is expected to be made on Saturday morning. His current position on the leaderboard is tied for fifth alongside Sam Burns and Kim Si-woo at 5-under.
Other notable events during the round included Jon Rahm receiving a warning for throwing a club, and Lucas Herbert securing the 36-hole lead despite missing a short putt that would have made him the first player to shoot a 61 in a major. Jackson Suber, Ryan Gerard, and Cameron Young are all at 6-under, while Bob MacIntyre remains in contention at 4-under.
Several prominent players, including Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Jordan Spieth, Brian Harman, Joaquin Niemann, Wyndham Clark, and Cameron Smith, missed the cut at the Open Championship.
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Source: theguardian.com
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As News-GB's Sports Reporter, Megan Sinclair reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name interviewing rising British talent. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Edinburgh and completed an NCTJ diploma. Megan lives in Edinburgh, where she plays club tennis and follows track athletics. “Give the athletes room and the story tells itself.”