Royal Birkdale: Bryson DeChambeau receives two-shot penalty at The Open
Golfer Bryson DeChambeau was issued a two-shot penalty during the second round of The Open at Royal Birkdale, a decision he publicly stated he disagreed with. The penalty was applied after officials determined he had inadvertently improved his lie on the fifth hole. This ruling significantly impacted his standing in the tournament, moving him further from the lead.
DeChambeau had initially appeared to position himself one shot off the lead, reaching seven under par after a round of 66. However, following his round, officials engaged him in a discussion regarding a rules infringement. The incident in question occurred on the fifth hole, where DeChambeau was accused of trampling on long grass near his ball.
Penalty and Reaction
After an extended discussion with Open rules officials, it was confirmed that DeChambeau would receive a two-shot penalty for “inadvertently improving his lie.” This decision adjusted his score to five under par, placing him three shots behind the leader, Lucas Herbert. The ruling was made under Rule 8.1 of the R&A’s official Rules of Golf, which restricts actions that improve conditions affecting a stroke, including the area of a player’s intended swing.
Grant Moir, the R&A’s executive director of governance, clarified that the penalty applies even if the action is accidental, as it was deemed in DeChambeau’s situation. Graeme Storm, a DP World Tour rules official, further explained that improving the line of play for a club constitutes improving the lie, leading to the general penalty of two shots.
DeChambeau expressed his disappointment with the ruling 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.”
The situation unfolded dramatically after DeChambeau completed his round. Following his birdie on the 18th hole, he was taken by officials to the fifth hole to investigate the alleged infringement. Videos had surfaced showing the 32-year-old American seemingly trampling knee-high rough behind his ball.
The discussion with officials, including R&A chief executive Mark Darbon, lasted for more than 20 minutes in the recorders’ office. DeChambeau was observed in animated conversation, re-enacting his swing and showing clear frustration. His agent, Brett Falkoff, indicated that DeChambeau was penalised for not being careful enough in a sensitive area and suggested he wasn’t given the benefit of the doubt.
Impact on the Tournament
The penalty shifted DeChambeau from solo second place to a tie for fifth, alongside Sam Burns and Si Woo Kim. Jackson Suber, who had held the first-round lead, moved into the final group for Saturday afternoon’s play with Lucas Herbert.
Following the ruling, DeChambeau declined to answer questions from reporters, instead stating he was going to “hit some balls.” He proceeded to the driving range, where he continued to practice until almost 22:30 BST, more than two hours after finishing his round.
DeChambeau’s approach to golf has often been described as unconventional, marked by his use of single-length clubs and his physical conditioning. Earlier in the week, three-time Open champion Nick Faldo had commented on DeChambeau’s strategy, suggesting he lacked a clear understanding of course management on links courses.
Despite previous missed cuts at the US PGA Championship and US Open, DeChambeau’s performance on Friday, before the penalty, had been notable. He managed to navigate increasing afternoon winds effectively, impressing former European Tour winner Andrew Murray with his patience and short game. DeChambeau’s social media post later on Friday night suggested his intention to participate in his 3:30 p.m. local tee time on Saturday, paired with Sam Burns.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
