Bryson DeChambeau's momentum at the 2026 Open Championship faced a significant setback on Friday, July 17, following the assessment of a two-stroke penalty by tournament officials. The penalty stemmed from a rules violation that occurred during the second round, as confirmed by an official from the R&A.
The incident took place at the fifth hole, where DeChambeau's drive ended up in long fescue grass. According to replays, the golfer was observed stepping on the tall grass in a manner that officials determined could have improved his lie and backswing conditions. R&A rules official Charlie Maran stated that the issue came to light as the day progressed, leading to a discussion between officials and the player. DeChambeau and Maran eventually returned to the site of the shot in a golf cart to review the golfer's actions.
DeChambeau, who appeared visibly frustrated, reportedly told associates after leaving the scoring tent that officials claimed he had improved his lie. His manager, Brett Falkoff, indicated that DeChambeau was not informed of the potential violation until his round was concluded, at which point the player requested to revisit the fifth hole. Falkoff explained that tournament organizers believed DeChambeau was not sufficiently careful in a sensitive area, resulting in an improved swing path.
Following the controversy, DeChambeau officially signed for a triple bogey seven on the fifth hole. He remains at five-under for the tournament, currently three strokes behind the leader. When asked if DeChambeau would continue to play in Saturday's third round, Falkoff remarked that his guess was as good as anyone else's. DeChambeau declined to provide further comment when approached by reporters after his second departure from the scoring tent.
DeChambeau declined to comment on the situation when approached by a USA Sports reporter after leaving the scoring tent a second time. He officially signed for a triple bogey 7 on No. 5 on his scorecard and sits at 5-under for the tournament, three strokes back of the lead.
