Bryson DeChambeau was left furious after a blistering debate with Open officials and the dramatic enforcement of a two-shot penalty during the 154th Championship at Royal Birkdale. The American LIV Golf star had appeared to surge into second place at seven-under par, one stroke behind leader Lucas Herbert, after holing a birdie putt on the 18th hole in near-darkness on Friday evening. However, in scenes of pure theatre and deep anger, the situation turned sour when rules officials spoke to him about an incident on the fifth hole.
Penalty Details
Television pictures showed DeChambeau trampling down grass as he entered thick rough before playing his second shot. After his round, he and tournament officials returned to the scene in buggies, where the area was examined and the offence explained. Following a lengthy and heated debate, the player returned to the tournament offices for further discussions. More than an hour after his round ended, it was confirmed that the two-time US Open champion had been penalized two strokes, dropping him from second to tied-fifth. His score on the fifth hole was changed from a five to a seven, and his Friday 66 was adjusted to a 68.
Official Explanation
Grant Moir, R&A Executive Director of Governance, explained the decision: "Bryson has been penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing, so intended backswing on the fifth hole when he was playing his second shot." He elaborated on Rule 8.1, which restricts what a player may do to improve protected conditions affecting the stroke, including the area of the intended swing. "An improvement means to alter one or more of the conditions affecting the stroke so that the player gains a potential advantage for the stroke. I'll stress that this applies even when the action is accidental, as it was in Bryson's case."
Moir added that a player is allowed to fairly take their stance by taking reasonable actions to get to the ball, but must take the least intrusive course of action and is not entitled to a normal stance or swing. "I would reiterate this rule applies even when there's no intention to improve the area, as was the case with Bryson."
Other Incidents
It was not the first moment of high drama that evening. Jon Rahm was officially warned for throwing a club after losing his temper following a poor tee-shot on the 15th hole. R&A chiefs have announced a Code of Conduct for players, and Rahm could have landed a two-shot penalty but was let off with a caution.
