Bryson DeChambeau faces potential Open withdrawal after two-stroke penalty

Bryson DeChambeau faces potential Open withdrawal after two-stroke penalty

Bryson DeChambeau’s standing at the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale has shifted into uncertainty following a two-stroke penalty assessed on Friday, July 17. The two-time U.S. Open champion, who had surged into contention during his second round, now faces a decision regarding his participation in Saturday's third round after expressing frustration over the R&A's ruling.

The controversy centers on DeChambeau's second shot at the par-4 fifth hole. During his round, DeChambeau hit his drive into thick fescue grass. Video evidence showed him stepping on the tall vegetation near his ball while preparing for his stroke. After finishing his round with a birdie at the 18th—which he initially believed brought him to 7-under par and one stroke off the lead held by Lucas Herbert—DeChambeau was approached by tournament officials regarding a potential rules violation.

The R&A, led by chief rules official Grant Moir, subsequently informed DeChambeau of a violation of Rule 8.1. This rule restricts a player's actions that improve the conditions affecting their stroke, including the area of their intended swing. Officials determined that by trampling the grass, DeChambeau inadvertently created an advantage for his backswing. The penalty was applied regardless of intent.

"Bryson has been penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended backswing on the fifth hole," Moir stated. Moir further explained, "I would reiterate, this rule applies even when there's no intention to improve the area, as was the case with Bryson." He noted that while a player is allowed to fairly take their stance, they must take the "least intrusive course of action" when dealing with such situations.

The situation escalated as DeChambeau and R&A officials returned to the fifth hole by golf cart to review the scene. Witnesses observed DeChambeau in a heated, animated discussion with the officials, attempting to defend his actions. During the exchange, DeChambeau was reported to have said, "I'm not gonna play tomorrow," before leaving the area. He was also reportedly heard calling officials "crooks" near the scoring tent.

The penalty converted DeChambeau's bogey at the fifth hole into a triple-bogey 7. His second-round score was adjusted from a 66 to a 68, moving him from 7-under par to 5-under par. He currently sits in a tie for fifth place, three strokes behind leader Lucas Herbert.

Following the formal notification of the penalty, DeChambeau spent over 20 minutes in a meeting with officials, including R&A chief executive Mark Darbon. Upon emerging, he declined to provide a clear answer regarding his status for Saturday. When approached by media members, he offered only a sarcastic greeting: Are you guys having a great night? I'm having a great night. He subsequently proceeded to the driving range, where he hit balls and interacted with fans.

His manager, Brett Falkoff, remained non-committal when asked if DeChambeau would return for the third round. When asked if DeChambeau would withdraw in protest, Falkoff told Golfweek, Your guess is as good as mine.

The penalty marks a dramatic turn for DeChambeau, who had failed to make the cut at the Masters, the PGA Championship, and the U.S. Open earlier in the 2026 season. His performance on the first two days at Royal Birkdale represented a return to form, having posted his first sub-par round at a major in 2026 on Thursday. DP World Tour rules official Graeme Storm, serving as a broadcast commentator, supported the R&A's decision, explaining that because DeChambeau improved his line of play, the general penalty of two strokes was the correct application of the rules.

As of late Friday, DeChambeau has not officially withdrawn, leaving his status for the remainder of the major championship in doubt.