Bryson DeChambeau missed out on a potential Claret Jug at the Open Championship due to a costly two-stroke penalty and execution errors on two specific holes, according to remarks he made to reporters at the LIV Golf UK event one week after the major championship.
Rules Infringement and the Fifth Hole Penalty
DeChambeau entered the clubhouse after the second round sitting in second place at seven-under par, just one stroke behind leader Lucas Herbert. Before signing his scorecard, however, tournament officials informed him of a potential rules violation on the fifth hole. According to officials, DeChambeau improved his lie by standing on some of the long grass to flatten it after hitting his drive.
The ruling sparked a heated discussion between the player and officials near the disputed area. Brett Falkoff, DeChambeau’s agent, told reporters that his client debated whether to withdraw from the tournament after feeling wrongly penalized. The penalty dropped the 32-year-old player into a tie for fifth place.
Did you know? Bryson DeChambeau’s tie for 14th place at Royal Birkdale marked his fifth finish outside the top 10 in seven career Open Championship appearances.
Weekend Struggles at Royal Birkdale
Despite the controversy, DeChambeau decided to continue playing through the weekend. He shot a one-under par 69 on Saturday, but costly mistakes prevented him from mounting a serious charge for the title. According to DeChambeau’s post-tournament comments, errors on two specific parts of the course cost him six shots overall.
“Besides the fifth, being three over on it, and the 11th, that’s six shots. That’s tied for the lead right there. Two holes and I’m right there for the Claret Jug,” DeChambeau told reporters. A final-round triple-bogey on No. 11 resulted in a 72, dropping him to four-under par overall. He ultimately settled in a tie for 14th place alongside three other competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Bryson DeChambeau’s penalty at the Open Championship?
Officials penalized DeChambeau two strokes after determining he improved his lie on the fifth hole by standing on long grass to flatten it following his drive.
How did Bryson DeChambeau finish the tournament?
After debating a withdrawal with his agent Brett Falkoff, DeChambeau finished the event at four-under par overall, tying for 14th place.
Which holes impacted DeChambeau’s score the most?
DeChambeau specifically pointed to the fifth hole and the 11th hole—where he carded a final-round triple-bogey—as the areas that cost him six shots.
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