R&A upholds penalty against DeChambeau at The Open 2026

Bryson DeChambeau’s challenge at the 2026 Open Championship was significantly altered on Saturday evening after R&A officials upheld a two-stroke penalty against the American golfer. The ruling, issued following an investigation into actions on the fifth hole during the second round, dropped DeChambeau from solo second place at seven under par to a tied fifth position at five under par.

The penalty stems from an incident where DeChambeau inadvertently improved the area of his intended swing by stomping on tall grass behind his ball. Video evidence captured the golfer stepping on the vegetation numerous times, appearing to clear a path for his swing. Although DeChambeau initially threatened to withdraw from the tournament, he later engaged with officials to contest the decision.

R&A executive director of governance Grant Moir confirmed the penalty, citing Rule 1, which prohibits moving, bending, or breaking growing natural objects. Moir emphasised that the rule applies even when the action is accidental, stating that players must take the least intrusive course of action to deal with their situation and are not entitled to a normal stance or swing if it improves protected conditions.

DeChambeau and his caddie rode out to the site with officials, where the golfer pleaded his case and made what were described as wild gestures. Despite these efforts, the officials maintained the ruling. A lengthy discussion subsequently took place at the scoring area involving DeChambeau, his caddie, and his agent.

The bogey recorded on the fifth hole was converted to a triple bogey, changing DeChambeau’s round score from 66 to 68. The adjustment placed him three shots behind tournament leader Lucas Herbert and tied with Sam Burns and Si Woo Kim in fifth place, marking a pivotal moment in the competition at Royal Birkdale.