DeChambeau handed two-shot Open penalty
Bryson DeChambeau's charge towards the top of the Open Championship leaderboard was dealt a huge blow by a two-shot penalty after the conclusion of Friday's second round.
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The two-time US Open champion was penalised for unintentionally improving his lie, tournament organisers the R&A said in a statement, before his second shot at the fifth hole.
DeChambeau had climbed to second and within one shot of leader Lucas Herbert with a birdie-birdie finish for a 66.
However, the American was dumped down to a tie for fifth at five under after being handed the penalty.
Grant Moir, R&A referee, explains why Bryson DeChambeau was handed a two-shot penalty 💬 pic.twitter.com/yH78bo9x9B — Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) July 17, 2026
"Bryson has been penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing, so the intended backswing on the fifth hole when he was playing his second shot," a R&A spokesperson told reporters.
DeChambeau appeared to trample down long grass as he addressed his ball for a practice swing.
🚨🤯👀 #BREAKING — After firing a 66 and vaulting into solo 2nd at The Open, tournament officials are meeting with LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau about a potential rules violation at the 5th hole that would potentially result in a 2 stroke penalty pic.twitter.com/jZHrYtLUqQ — NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 17, 2026
"Even when the action is accidental, as it was in Bryson's case, the area of intended swing includes the entire area that might reasonably affect any part of the backswing, the downswing or the completion of the swing for the intended stroke," added the R&A.
"Importantly what the prohibited action here is that the player mustn't move, bend or break any growing or attached natural object."
After completing his round DeChambeau travelled back to the scene of the incident at the fifth hole and was seen in animated discussions with a rules official.
Sky Sports reported that the 32-year-old had even threatened to withdraw from the tournament.
Sure looks like Bryson DeChambeau just said he’s “not playing tomorrow”
🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/TAm7Uxkvcv — Christopher Powers (@CPowers14) July 17, 2026
However, he was later seen going to the practice range, signalling he is likely to stay around for the weekend at Royal Birkdale.
It is the first time this year that DeChambeau has even made the cut at a major after disappointing showings at the Masters, USPGA and US Open.
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