Bryson DeChambeau was hit with a two-shot penalty for improving his lie in thick rough during the second round of the Open at Royal Birkdale, shifting him out of second place as Australia's Lucas Herbert took the lead.
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Key facts
- DeChambeau received a two-stroke penalty for improving the line of his swing in thick rough on the fifth hole.
- The sanction revised his score to a triple-bogey seven, dropping him to five under par and a tie for fifth after a 68.
- The penalty moved him out of second place, previously one stroke behind leader Lucas Herbert.
- Australia's Lucas Herbert leads the field after a record-equalling 62.
- The Guardian reports DeChambeau's ongoing participation in the Open is in doubt following the ruling.
Bryson DeChambeau’s bid to win the Open took a significant blow after he was handed a two-shot penalty during a dramatic evening at Royal Birkdale, according to the BBC. The 32-year-old American was penalised for improving the line of his swing in thick rough on the fifth hole during his second round.
According to the BBC, the penalty followed a lengthy review with officials. DeChambeau’s score for the hole was revised to a triple-bogey seven, dropping him to five under par and a tie for fifth place after what had been a round of 68.
The Guardian reported that the sanction shifted DeChambeau out of second place and an initial position of one stroke behind the leader, Lucas Herbert. Sky Sports described the incident as a controversial rules breach, with Sky reporting DeChambeau had “inadvertently” improved his lie in the thick rough.
The American responded furiously to the ruling, according to the Guardian. After 10pm and in darkness on the Birkdale range, DeChambeau was still pounding drives while asking waiting media if they cared for any of his snacks, having earlier asked what the media thought of his swing.
The Guardian noted that DeChambeau’s ongoing participation in the Open is in doubt following the extraordinary scenes at the conclusion of his round. The outlet observed that in 153 previous stagings, the Open had witnessed nothing akin to the episode.
At the top of the leaderboard, Australia’s Lucas Herbert led the field after a record-equalling 62, according to the Guardian. Elsewhere on the course, 2011 champion Darren Clarke opened with a birdie to sit at two over par, while Laurie Canter nearly aced the fourth hole and sat at two under.
Why it matters
DeChambeau is one of golf's biggest names, and a two-shot penalty at a major championship can dramatically alter the outcome of a tournament. The controversial nature of the ruling, and reports that his continued participation is in doubt, make this one of the most talked-about incidents in recent Open history.
Frequently asked questions
Why did DeChambeau receive a two-shot penalty?
He was penalised for improving the line of his swing in thick rough on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale. Sky Sports reported he had inadvertently improved his lie.
How did the penalty affect his score?
According to the BBC, his score was revised to a triple-bogey seven, dropping him to five under par and a tie for fifth place after a round of 68.
Who leads the Open after day two?
Australia's Lucas Herbert leads the field after a record-equalling round of 62, according to the Guardian.
Timeline
- DeChambeau’s participation in the Open in doubt after two-stroke penalty
The Guardian Sport: American punished for improving line of his swing Sanction moved DeChambeau out of second place Bryson DeChambeau’s ongoing participation in the Open Championship is in doubt after extraordinary scenes at the conclusion of the 32-year-old’s second round at Royal Birkdale. DeChamb
- DeChambeau will play on at the Open despite anger over two-stroke penalty
The Guardian Sport: American’s participation over weekend was in doubt DeChambeau: ‘I don’t agree with it, but it is what it is’ Bryson DeChambeau’s ongoing participation in the Open Championship was in doubt until after midnight on Friday, after extraordinary scenes at the conclusion of the 32-year
- DeChambeau handed dramatic penalty in controversial Open ruling
Sky Sports News: Bryson DeChambeau has been sensationally handed a two-shot penalty after being involved in a controversial rules breach during his second round at The Open.
- The Open 2026: DeChambeau handed two-shot penalty, Herbert leads after day two – as it happened
The Guardian Sport: Australia’s Lucas Herbert leads the field after a record-equalling 62, while Bryson DeChambeau was hit with a late penalty An opening birdie for the 2011 champion Darren Clarke. He’s +2. Apropos of nothing, and just because I happen to have the stat to hand, so may as well share
- Does Bryson improve his lie? DeChambeau given two-shot penalty after rules drama!
Sky Sports News: Bryson DeChambeau was given a two-shot penalty after inadvertently improving his lie in thick rough on the fifth hole at The Open.
- DeChambeau hit with shock two-stroke penalty at The Open
BBC Sport: Bryson DeChambeau has been hit with a costly two-stroke penalty following his second round at The Open Championship for illegally improving his lie on the fifth hole. Following a lengthy review with officials at Royal Birkdale, the American saw his score revised to a triple-bogey
- Why DeChambeau was hit with a two‑stroke penalty at The Open
BBC Sport: Bryson DeChambeau has been hit with a costly two-stroke penalty following his second round at The Open Championship for illegally improving his lie on the fifth hole. Following a lengthy review with officials at Royal Birkdale, the American saw his score revised to a triple-bogey
- Why DeChambeau was hit with a two-stroke penalty at The Open
BBC Sport: Bryson DeChambeau has been hit with a costly two-stroke penalty following his second round at The Open Championship for illegally improving his lie on the fifth hole. Following a lengthy review with officials at Royal Birkdale, the American saw his score revised to a triple-bogey
- DeChambeau receives two-shot penalty in dramatic Open scenes
BBC Sport: Bryson DeChambeau's bid to win the Open takes a hit after he was given a two-shot penalty on a dramatic evening at Royal Birkdale.
- DeChambeau disagrees with two-shot penalty at Open
BBC Sport: Bryson DeChambeau says the decision to give him a two-shot penalty for "inadvertently improving his lie", "fires me up" for the final two rounds of the championship this weekend.
- Two-shot penalty 'fires up' Open contender DeChambeau
BBC Sport: Bryson DeChambeau says the decision to give him a two-shot penalty for "inadvertently improving his lie", "fires me up" for the final two rounds of the championship this weekend.
- The Open 2026: DeChambeau handed two-shot penalty, Herbert leads after day two – live
The Guardian Sport: ️ Herbert misses putt for 61 but still tops leaderboard ️ Official leaderboard | Mail David with your thoughts An opening birdie for the 2011 champion Darren Clarke. He’s +2. Apropos of nothing, and just because I happen to have the stat to hand, so may as well share it, Clarke i