DeChambeau dropped to tied fifth after R&A upholds penalty at Open

The R&A has upheld a two-stroke penalty against Bryson DeChambeau following his second round at the 154th Open Championship, a ruling that significantly alters the American’s standing in the tournament. The sanction, assessed at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, stems from an incident on the fifth hole where DeChambeau inadvertently improved the area of his intended swing in the tall grass.

Grant Moir, The R&A’s executive director of governance, confirmed the infraction violated Rule 8.1 of the Rules of Golf. In a statement, Moir explained that the rule is designed to support the principle of playing the course as you find it, restricting players from altering conditions affecting the stroke. He emphasised that the penalty applies even when the action is accidental, as was the case with DeChambeau.

The incident occurred when DeChambeau took several high steps in the native area while preparing for his second shot. This action caused the tall fescue grass behind his ball to lay down, improving the area of his intended backswing. Although DeChambeau initially hacked the ball out and carded a bogey, the penalty adjusted his score on the hole to a triple-bogey, bringing his round total to 68.

Prior to the ruling, DeChambeau had moved into solo second place at seven under par, one shot behind leader Lucas Herbert, after shooting a 4-under 66. The two-stroke deduction drops him to a tie for fifth place at five under par after 36 holes. The penalty effectively neutralised his surge on the second day, shifting the competitive landscape of the championship.

DeChambeau did not address the penalty directly when questioned by reporters after signing his scorecard, instead stating he had played well and heading to the driving range. His agent, Brett Falkoff, offered an ambiguous response regarding the golfer’s participation in the third round, saying only, “We’ll see.”

However, DeChambeau later posted on X, stating he was “obviously disappointed with the ruling” but was “fired up” and ready to continue. He acknowledged he did not agree with the decision but affirmed his intention to play through the weekend. The R&A’s investigation concluded that the breach of protected conditions warranted the sanction, regardless of intent.