Bryson DeChambeau received a two-stroke penalty during the second round of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, dropping him from solo second place to a tie for fifth. The penalty was issued for inadvertently improving his lie on the fifth hole, altering the area of his intended backswing. DeChambeau's score on the hole was adjusted from a bogey to a triple-bogey, resulting in a final round score of 70.
DeChambeau, who had shot a four-under 66 in the second round, was approached by rules officials after completing his round. He engaged in an animated discussion with them before the penalty was confirmed. The ruling was made under Rule 8.1 of the Rules of Golf, which prohibits improving one's lie or area of intended stance or swing.
After the penalty, DeChambeau's agent stated that the golfer may reconsider continuing in the tournament. However, DeChambeau was later seen hitting balls on the driving range, suggesting he might still compete in the third round. The solo leader after the second round is Lucas Herbert, who shot a 62, tying the lowest score ever recorded in a major round.
DeChambeau's caddie and agent argued that the trampled grass was not directly in line with his swing, but officials maintained the penalty. The incident has sparked debate over the interpretation of the rules and the impact of such penalties on player performance.