Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-stroke penalty at The Open after officials determined he inadvertently improved his stance in deep rough. According to R&A executive director – governance Grant Moir, the ruling—which adjusted DeChambeau’s score from a 66 to a 68—was based on the player’s actions during his second shot on the par-four fifth hole. The penalty moved the two-time major champion from second place into a tie for fifth on the leaderboard.
The Ruling: Improving the Line of Play
The controversy centered on the fifth hole, where DeChambeau’s drive landed in high grass. Officials alleged that DeChambeau trampled the vegetation while preparing for his shot, effectively creating a better angle or stance. Under the rules of golf, players are prohibited from improving the area of their intended swing or stance.
Grant Moir stated that the two-stroke penalty was applied because DeChambeau “inadvertently” improved the area of his backswing. The decision was reached after officials reviewed the incident and held an animated discussion with the player, during which DeChambeau used his club to demonstrate his original stance to R&A representatives.
Did you know?
In professional golf, players are responsible for the condition of the area where they take their stance. Even if the improvement to the lie or swing path is deemed “inadvertent,” the Rules of Golf often mandate a penalty if the player has altered the natural state of the course to their advantage.
Impact on Tournament Standings
The timing of the penalty created significant disruption. DeChambeau had just finished a birdie-birdie sequence, believing he had secured a spot in the final group for Saturday at seven under par. Because the penalty was applied after he signed his scorecard, his bogey on the fifth hole was officially amended to a seven.
This adjustment shifted his round from a 66 to a 68. The administrative process involved R&A officials taking DeChambeau back to the specific spot of the infringement while other competitors were still on the course, followed by a tense session in the recorders’ office.
Player Response and Future Trends in Officiating
DeChambeau, who had refused to speak to media in his previous five major rounds, offered no public comment regarding the ruling. Following the decision, he headed directly to the practice range, stating only, “I’m going to hit some balls.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was Bryson DeChambeau penalized?
He was penalized two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his backswing while playing from the rough on the fifth hole. - How did the penalty affect his score?
His score was adjusted from a 66 to a 68, dropping him from second place to a tie for fifth. - Who issued the penalty?
The decision was issued by the R&A, with executive director – governance Grant Moir providing the official explanation.
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Update (July 18, 2026)
According to theguardian.com, DeChambeau's participation in the tournament was in doubt until after midnight on Friday. Following a furious response to the sanction, the American reportedly told officials he would not play in the third round if the penalty stood. R&A chief executive Mark Darbon also joined the discussions after DeChambeau returned to the scoring area.
DeChambeau later posted on social media: “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.” While practicing on the range after 10 p.m., he asked waiting reporters if they wanted any of his snacks and questioned what the media thought of his swing.
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