Bryson DeChambeau receives two-shot penalty at Royal Birkdale, disputes ruling
Penalty assessed after second round
Golfer Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-shot penalty during the second round of The Open at Royal Birkdale. The penalty was for inadvertently improving his lie on the fifth hole. Following the ruling, DeChambeau’s score for the round changed from four-under 66 to 68, placing him at five-under for the tournament and three shots behind leader Lucas Herbert.
The incident occurred after DeChambeau’s drive on the fifth hole landed in deep rough. Videos reportedly showed DeChambeau trampling on tall grass behind his ball. Rules officials determined that his actions violated Rule 8.1, which prohibits players from improving conditions affecting the stroke, including the area of the intended swing.
Grant Moir, the R&A‘s executive director of governance, stated that the penalty applies even if the action was accidental. DP World Tour rules official Graeme Storm further explained that improving the line of play for the club constitutes improving the lie, leading to a general penalty of two shots.
DeChambeau’s reaction and post-round events
DeChambeau was informed of the penalty after completing his round, which initially saw him one shot off the lead. He then engaged in a discussion with rules officials, including Moir and R&A chief executive Mark Darbon, for over 20 minutes. Despite the lengthy discussion, the penalty was upheld.
Following the decision, DeChambeau expressed his disagreement on X, stating, “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.” He had previously declined to answer questions from the media, instead asking, “Are you guys having a great night? I’m having a great night.”
After the ruling, DeChambeau went to the driving range, where he practiced until late in the evening. His initial bogey on the fifth hole was changed to a triple-bogey due to the two-shot penalty. This adjustment significantly altered his position on the leaderboard, moving him from second to a tie for fifth.
Commentary on the ruling
The decision and DeChambeau’s reaction drew commentary from golf analysts. Commentator Brandel Chamblee described DeChambeau’s actions as “childish” and “immature,” asserting that the rules officials made the correct decision based on clear evidence. Chamblee argued that DeChambeau’s actions, regardless of intent, improved the conditions affecting his stroke.
Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley also weighed in, suggesting that the breach occurred early when DeChambeau stood behind the ball and bedded down the grass, which would have improved his backswing. McGinley considered it a clear violation of the rules.
The incident created significant post-round drama at Royal Birkdale, with DeChambeau’s animated discussion with officials captured on video. The penalty meant he would not be paired with Herbert in the final grouping on Saturday.
DeChambeau, known for his unconventional approach to golf, had performed well on Friday despite challenging afternoon winds. His opening round was a 67. He had previously faced criticism regarding his strategy, with three-time Open champion Nick Faldo suggesting he lacked strategic understanding for links courses.
Despite the penalty and his disagreement, DeChambeau confirmed his intention to continue playing in the tournament, as indicated by his post on X. The ruling changed his score on the fifth hole from a bogey to a triple-bogey.
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Source: bbc.com
