Bryson DeChambeau’s continued participation in the Open Championship is uncertain following a two-stroke penalty at Royal Birkdale. The sanction, issued after his second round, has led to a dispute with tournament officials and has cast doubt on whether he will compete in the third round.
DeChambeau was penalised for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing on the fifth hole. This incident occurred in thick rough, where he was alleged to have trampled grass behind his ball before playing his shot. The penalty changed his score for the round, moving him from an initial position of one stroke behind the leader, Lucas Herbert, to a tie for fifth place, three shots back.
Penalty and Reaction
The penalty was confirmed by Grant Moir, an executive director of the R&A, who stated that Rule 8.1 restricts players from improving protected conditions affecting a stroke, including the area of the intended swing. Moir clarified that this rule applies even when the action is accidental, as he maintained was the case with DeChambeau. The area of intended swing encompasses the entire region that could reasonably affect any part of the backswing, downswing, or completion of the swing for the intended stroke. Players are prohibited from moving, bending, or breaking any growing or attached natural object.
DeChambeau had initially posted a second round of 66, which would have placed him at seven under par for the tournament. However, after discussions with a tournament referee and Moir, his score for the fifth hole was changed from a five to a seven, resulting in a revised round score of 68 and an overall five under par. The golfer reportedly insisted on returning to the scene of the alleged infraction with a club in hand to argue his innocence.
The situation escalated, with DeChambeau becoming visibly frustrated as officials maintained the penalty would stand. Reports indicate that he expressed his intention not to play in the third round. Mark Darbon, the chief executive of the R&A, also joined the discussions. Following the ruling, DeChambeau was observed hitting balls on the practice range for an extended period, concluding his session late in the evening.
When questioned about his plans for Saturday, DeChambeau responded, “I’m going to practice, guys.” A member of his management team later confirmed to journalists that his client’s continued participation in the tournament remained uncertain. DeChambeau clearly feels that the ruling was incorrect.
Tournament Implications
The penalty has significantly impacted DeChambeau’s standing in the Open Championship. Prior to the ruling, he was in second place, poised to challenge for the lead. The two-stroke adjustment moved him down the leaderboard, and he is now tied for fifth. This shift also means he will not be part of day three’s final group.
The incident has drawn considerable attention, overshadowing other events at the tournament, such as Jon Rahm’s warning for throwing a club on the 15th tee. Rahm received a warning, meaning a similar action in the closing half of the Open would result in a two-stroke penalty for him as well.
Lucas Herbert currently holds the 36-hole lead, having narrowly missed making history with a 61 in a major. Other players in contention include Jackson Suber, Ryan Gerard, and Cameron Young, all at six under. Sam Burns and Kim Si-woo are alongside DeChambeau at minus five. Bob MacIntyre of Scotland is at four under, maintaining hopes for a maiden major win.
Several notable golfers, including Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Jordan Spieth, Brian Harman, Joaquin Niemann, Wyndham Clark, and Cameron Smith, missed the cut at the Open. DeChambeau’s decision regarding his participation on Saturday will be made known in the morning.
Read Also
Source: theguardian.com
As News-GB.org's Sports Reporter, Eleanor Vance reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name on long-form athlete profiles. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Bath and completed an NCTJ diploma. Eleanor lives in Bath, where she swims competitively and follows British athletics. “A profile is only as good as the questions behind it.”