Royal Birkdale: Bryson DeChambeau given two-shot penalty after second round at The Open

By George Aldridge — 18 July 2026 — 3 min read

Penalty Controversy at Royal Birkdale

Bryson DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty during the second round of The Open at Royal Birkdale, a decision he publicly disagreed with. The American golfer had initially appeared to move within one shot of the lead, achieving seven under par with a four-under 66. However, officials intervened after he left the course to discuss a rules infringement.

The penalty was issued after DeChambeau was accused of trampling on long grass near his ball on the fifth hole. Following a discussion with Open officials, it was confirmed that he had been penalised for “inadvertently improving his lie.” This ruling moved him back to five under par, placing him three shots behind leader Lucas Herbert.

DeChambeau expressed his disappointment on social media, stating, “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.” He had previously declined to answer questions from the media after spending over 20 minutes with officials, including R&A chief executive Mark Darbon, in the recorders’ office.

Incident Details and Official Explanation

The incident occurred on the fifth hole of DeChambeau’s second round when his drive went into deep rough. Videos showed the golfer seemingly trampling knee-high rough behind his ball. Officials determined that DeChambeau had not “played the course as it is found,” violating Rule 8.1, which concerns actions that “improve conditions affecting the stroke.” This rule includes 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, confirmed the penalty, explaining that DeChambeau was penalised “for inadvertently improving the area of intended backswing on fifth hole.” Moir emphasised that this rule applies even when the action is accidental, as it was in DeChambeau’s case. Graeme Storm, a DP World Tour rules official, further clarified that improving the line of play for the club constitutes improving the lie, resulting in a two-shot penalty, regardless of intent.

The situation created significant drama, with live images showing DeChambeau in an animated discussion with rules officials, displaying clear frustration. After returning to the clubhouse area, he bypassed waiting journalists and went directly to the recorders’ hut. The wait for a decision was lengthy, and the suspense was palpable among those present.

Aftermath and Weekend Outlook

Despite the penalty and his initial frustration, DeChambeau’s social media post indicated his intention to continue playing. He was seen practicing on the driving range in darkness until almost 22:30 BST, even offering snacks to reporters and asking about their thoughts on his swing. This suggested he planned to tee up for the third round.

The penalty shifted DeChambeau from second place, one shot behind Lucas Herbert, to a tie for fifth. Other golfers in contention include Jackson Suber, Ryan Gerard, and Cameron Young at six under, while Sam Burns and Kim Si-woo are alongside DeChambeau at minus five. Scotland’s Bob MacIntyre remains at four under.

The dramatic events surrounding DeChambeau’s penalty were described as unprecedented for The Open. His unconventional approach to golf, including his use of single-length clubs and his move to LIV Golf, often generates discussion. Despite previous criticism regarding his strategy, his performance on Friday, before the penalty, was noted for its patience and sensible approach, particularly his short game.

The penalty decision has been a significant talking point, with many seasoned golf reporters unable to recall similar post-round drama at an Open Championship. The official confirmation of the two-shot penalty came shortly after 21:35 BST.

Source: bbc.co.uk