DeChambeau Penalty Rocks The Open

Penalty Puts DeChambeau Behind After Late Charge

Bryson DeChambeau looked to have stayed within striking distance at Royal Birkdale when he birdied the 18th, climbing to seven under par and just one shot off the lead held by Australia’s Lucas Herbert. A brief walk off the course, however, turned into a lengthy discussion with officials over a possible rules breach. The penalty crew later handed him two strokes for “inadvertently improving his lie” on the fifth hole, sliding him back to five under and three shots behind Herbert. That penalty now casts doubt over whether he will tee off in Saturday’s third round.

Rules Misstep Costs Two Shots

DeChambeau’s second‑round drive on the fifth found deep rough, prompting him to search for the ball in knee‑high grass. Video showed him stepping on the rough near his ball, an act that violates Rule 8.1 because it alters the area of intended swing. The R&A’s Grant Moir confirmed the two‑stroke penalty, noting it was an “inadvertent” improvement of his back‑swing zone. DP World Tour official Graeme Storm, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, added that even an unintentional improvement of the line of play still merits the standard two‑shot penalty.

Nighttime Timeline

• 20:24 BST: DeChambeau birdied the 18th to sit at seven under, one shot behind leader Lucas Herbert.

• Shortly after leaving the course, DeChambeau was driven to the fifth hole for a rules discussion.

• 20:58 BST: He engaged in an animated, visibly frustrated exchange with officials near the incident.

• 21:15 BST: Returning by buggy, he was asked if he would play Saturday’s third round; he offered only a smile.

• 21:35 BST: DeChambeau emerged from the officials’ cabin and the two‑shot penalty was officially confirmed.

Uncertain Future for DeChambeau

After the penalty was announced, DeChambeau refused to answer direct questions about his participation in the remainder of the tournament. His only comment to the assembled media was a casual, “Are you guys having a great night? I’m having a great night.” He then headed to the driving range, posed for a selfie with fans, and spoke briefly with his support team before the night ended. The two‑time U.S. Open champion, who has yet to capture The Open, remains in limbo for Saturday’s play.