Bryson DeChambeau has been handed a two-shot penalty at The Open after officials ruled he improved his lie in the long grass on the fifth hole. The American star, who had posted an impressive round of 66 to move within one shot of leader Lucas Herbert, saw his score downgraded to 68 following the controversy.
Incident at Royal Birkdale
The incident occurred on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale, where DeChambeau was stuck in long grass on the right side of the fairway. Television footage showed him trampling through waist-high grass near his ball before making his next stroke. He went on to bogey the hole. After the round, officials reviewed the footage and determined that DeChambeau had improved his lie, resulting in a two-shot penalty.
DeChambeau's Reaction
According to sources, DeChambeau was driven back to the hole by officials to discuss the penalty. During the heated exchange, he was heard saying, "I'm just not going to play tomorrow," threatening to withdraw from the tournament. The row has escalated tensions, with DeChambeau reportedly furious over the decision.
Impact on the Leaderboard
The penalty dropped DeChambeau from a 66 to a 68, moving him further behind leader Lucas Herbert. The controversy has overshadowed what had been a strong performance from the American, who was in contention for the title. The Open continues at Royal Birkdale, with DeChambeau's participation now uncertain.
