DeChambeau penalised at The Open as Herbert sets major record

American golfer Bryson DeChambeau has incurred a two-stroke penalty at Royal Birkdale, a ruling that reduces his tournament total to seven under par and leaves him one shot behind leader Lucas Herbert. The penalty was applied after R&A officials determined DeChambeau had improved the area for his backswing in the long grass on the driveable par-four fifth hole.

The decision follows extensive discussion behind closed doors and on the course at the scene of the incident. Had the penalty not been applied, DeChambeau’s round of 66 would have placed him in the final group, just one shot off the pace set by Herbert, who recorded a major record-equalling lowest round of 62.

DeChambeau expressed disappointment with the outcome, stating on social media platform X that he did not agree with the ruling but that the incident had motivated him for the weekend round. He posted: “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.”

Following the ruling, the two-time US Open champion marched to the practice ground as daylight faded. He spent nearly an hour hitting balls in the dark, illuminated by the range’s large screen, before finishing just before 10:30 pm on Friday without speaking to the media. He also posted digitally manipulated images on Instagram referencing the rule against touching the long grass.

The third round, traditionally known as Moving Day, often dictates the final leaderboard. Herbert’s score provides a significant buffer against the field, though New Zealand’s Ryan Fox moved to five under par on Saturday with five birdies in his opening eight holes. DeChambeau is expected to return to Royal Birkdale around 1:30 pm for a 3:30 pm tee time, starting at five under par alongside compatriot Sam Burns, who also shot a 62.