Bryson DeChambeau was left furious after being handed a two-shot penalty at The Open, with the American reportedly threatening to withdraw from the tournament. The controversial LIV Golf star initially believed he had carded a sensational second-round 66 to move within one shot of leader Lucas Herbert, but rules officials intervened following an incident on the fifth hole.
Officials ruled that DeChambeau had improved his lie by trampling down knee-high rough near where his tee shot had landed. After being taken back to the scene to discuss the matter, the 29-year-old could be seen arguing with referees before allegedly telling them he would quit if penalised. The penalty dropped him from second to a tie for fifth, three strokes off the lead.
R&A referee Grant Moir explained that DeChambeau had been penalised for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing. 'A player is allowed to fairly take their stance... but when doing so, the player must take the least intrusive course of action,' Moir said. He stressed that the penalty applied even though the action was accidental.
Following his round, DeChambeau ignored a reporter's question about whether he would play the next day, but was later seen practicing at the Royal Birkdale driving range. His agent, Brett Falkoff, refused to confirm his participation, saying: 'Let's see if he shows up late tomorrow afternoon, your guess is as good as mine.'
Dame Laura Davies expressed doubt that DeChambeau would follow through on his threat. 'They are questioning his integrity. He said he didn't do it... I think he will play tomorrow even if he says he will not,' she told Sky Sports.
