DeChambeau’s Open Championship participation in doubt after two-stroke penalty

By Amelia Stockwell · Sports Reporter · 17.07.2026

By Amelia Stockwell — 17 July 2026 — 4 min read

Bryson DeChambeau’s continued involvement in the Open Championship is uncertain following a two-stroke penalty at Royal Birkdale. The penalty was issued after his second round, altering his score and sparking a strong reaction from the American golfer.

DeChambeau was penalised for improving the line of his swing in thick rough on the 5th hole. This sanction moved him from what was initially second place, one stroke behind leader Lucas Herbert, to a tied position further down the leaderboard. The incident occurred after DeChambeau had seemingly completed an excellent second round with a score of 66.

Penalty and heated exchange

Before signing his scorecard, DeChambeau was engaged in discussions with a tournament referee and Grant Moir, an executive director of the R&A. The alleged rule violation involved trampling down grass behind his ball before playing his shot on the 5th hole. DeChambeau is understood to have insisted on returning to the scene to argue his case.

Shortly before 9pm, DeChambeau became increasingly agitated as it was made clear the penalty would stand. The two-time major winner reportedly indicated to officials that he might not play in the third round. Mark Darbon, the chief executive of the R&A, later joined the discussions after DeChambeau returned to the scoring area.

Moments later, DeChambeau’s aggregate score on the Open leaderboard was adjusted from seven to five under par. His score of five at the 5th hole was changed to a seven, resulting in a final second-round score of 68. This placed him in a tie for fifth, three shots behind Herbert.

When questioned about his participation on Saturday, DeChambeau stated, “I’m going to practice, guys.” A member of his management team later confirmed to journalists that his client’s ongoing role in the tournament remained uncertain. DeChambeau clearly felt the ruling was incorrect.

R&A’s explanation and rule clarification

Moir issued a statement explaining the decision, emphasising that while there was no suggestion of deliberate action by DeChambeau, the punishment was appropriate. Moir clarified that DeChambeau was penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended backswing on the 5th hole during his second shot.

Moir detailed that Rule 1 restricts players from improving protected conditions affecting a stroke, which includes the area of the intended swing. An improvement is defined as altering conditions to gain a potential advantage, and this rule applies even if the action is accidental, as was the case with DeChambeau.

The area of intended swing encompasses any part of the backswing, downswing, or completion of the swing for the intended stroke. The rule specifically prohibits moving, bending, or breaking any growing or attached natural object. While players can take reasonable actions to get to the ball and take a stance, they must use the least intrusive method and are not entitled to a normal stance or swing if it improves conditions.

Moir reiterated that the rule applies regardless of intent to improve the area. Despite the penalty, DeChambeau headed to the range, concluding his session at 10.30pm, which suggested some intention to continue playing. However, his position remains ambiguous, and the penalty removed him from day three’s final group.

Tournament context and other players

Amidst the DeChambeau situation, Jon Rahm’s throwing of a club on the 15th tee received a warning. Rahm will face a two-stroke penalty if a similar incident occurs in the latter half of the Open. Rahm acknowledged his actions, stating, “I shouldn’t have moments like the one on 15, I get it.”

Leader Lucas Herbert missed a 5ft putt on the final green, preventing him from becoming the first player to shoot 61 in a major. He secured the 36-hole lead. Jackson Suber, Ryan Gerard, and Cameron Young are all at six under. DeChambeau is grouped with Sam Burns and Kim Si-woo at minus five, with Burns having also shot a 62. Bob MacIntyre of Scotland maintains hopes for a maiden major win at four under.

The delay in releasing Saturday’s tee times was publicly lamented by Justin Thomas at 10.40pm. Notable players such as Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Jordan Spieth, Brian Harman, Joaquin Niemann, Wyndham Clark, and Cameron Smith all missed the cut at the Open Championship.

Source: theguardian.com

Amelia Stockwell

Sports Reporter

Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”