Bryson DeChambeau Disputes Two-Shot Penalty at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale

American golfer Bryson DeChambeau was handed a two-shot penalty during the second round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale after officials determined he inadvertently improved his lie on the fifth hole. The penalty dropped him from second place at seven-under par to a tied fifth position at five-under par, three shots behind leader Lucas Herbert. DeChambeau publicly disagreed with the decision but stated he would move forward with focus on the weekend rounds.

The Incident and Official Decision

DeChambeau struck a wayward drive into deep rough on the fifth hole during his second round. When his ball was located, video footage emerged showing the 32-year-old American seemingly trampling down knee-high grass near his ball. Officials from the R&A responded by removing him from the course to investigate the matter at the location where the infringement allegedly occurred.

After more than 20 minutes of animated discussion with R&A officials at the fifth hole, where DeChambeau used a club to demonstrate how he had executed the shot, he was driven back to the recorders' office. R&A executive director of governance Grant Moir confirmed the penalty, stating: "Bryson has been penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing, his backswing, when he was playing his second shot." The officials acknowledged the movement was unintentional, yet the penalty was upheld. DeChambeau's score on the hole was amended from a bogey to a seven, adjusting his round from a 66 to a 68.

DeChambeau's Response and Next Steps

The two-time US Open champion did not immediately speak to assembled media after emerging from the recorders' office. When asked about playing in round three on Saturday, he simply smiled without answering. Minutes later, he headed to the practice range, where he spent time hitting balls and posed for a selfie with fans before conferring with his team.

DeChambeau later posted on social media: "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 statement reflected frustration with the decision while signaling his intent to remain competitive in the tournament's final rounds. Herbert of Australia holds the lead at eight-under par after 36 holes.