Bryson DeChambeau Penalized Two Shots at The Open for Improving Lie
During the second round of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-shot penalty for inadvertently improving his lie in thick rough on the fifth hole, turning his bogey into a triple-bogey seven. The controversial ruling, enforced by the R&A under Rule 8.1, dropped him from seven under to five under par. The incident sparked heated arguments with officials, a nearly 80-minute delay in tee times, and criticism from Rory McIlroy and other players, who accused DeChambeau of holding the tournament hostage.
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DeChambeau Reveals Open Penalty Frustration, Says It Cost Him Claret Jug Chance
Bryson DeChambeau has spoken publicly for the first time about the controversial two-shot penalty he received during the second round of The Open at Royal Birkdale. Officials reviewed footage and ruled he had improved the area of his backswing by flattening long grass on the fifth hole, turning his bogey into a triple-bogey seven. The penalty dropped him from outright second to fifth at the midway point. DeChambeau threatened to withdraw but played on, making the cut and finishing six shots behind winner Ryan Fox. He stated that without the penalty on the fifth and a poor hole on the 11th, he would have been tied for the lead. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler defended DeChambeau, insisting he is 'not a cheater,' while Rory McIlroy criticized the incident as 'performative' and accused DeChambeau of holding the tournament hostage.
Report: Bryson DeChambeau Wanted Donald Trump’s Help in Open Championship Rules Dispute
During the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, golfer Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-stroke penalty for accidentally improving his backswing area on the fifth hole, turning a bogey into a triple bogey. The penalty dropped him from solo second to tied fifth. DeChambeau disputed the ruling and briefly threatened to withdraw before continuing. The BBC asked R&A chief executive Mark Darbon if U.S. President Donald Trump, a known associate of DeChambeau, had intervened as he did during a FIFA World Cup red card incident. Darbon replied he had not received a call. Fellow golfers Rory McIlroy and Nick Faldo criticized DeChambeau's behavior, calling it attention-seeking and disruptive. The article also notes Trump previously called FIFA to review a red card for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun.
Should golfers be made to speak to media? McIlroy fed up of Bryson's circus
The article discusses the controversy surrounding Bryson DeChambeau at The Open Championship, where he received a two-shot penalty for inadvertently improving his lie. Rory McIlroy criticized DeChambeau's actions, calling them a 'circus' and accusing him of holding the tournament 'hostage' by threatening not to play. The piece also debates whether professional golfers should be required to speak to the media, with the author arguing it is part of the job. McIlroy's own performance at Royal Birkdale is assessed as inconsistent, with good shots undermined by poor putting and chipping.
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Rory McIlroy Criticizes Bryson DeChambeau as Performative After Two-Stroke Penalty at The Open
During a press conference at The Open Championship, Rory McIlroy criticized Bryson DeChambeau following a two-stroke penalty assessed after Friday's round. McIlroy stated he is not fond of DeChambeau, calling his actions 'performative' and 'for attention,' and criticized him for delaying the tournament. The penalty was for violating Rule 8.1, which prohibits improving conditions affecting a stroke by moving or bending natural objects. DeChambeau had stepped on grass in his backswing while playing from a penalty area. He argued the penalty with officials, reenacting his swing, but was ultimately penalized. McIlroy supported the penalty, saying it was justified regardless of intent. DeChambeau, visibly frustrated, practiced late into the night after the incident.
Rory McIlroy Slams Bryson DeChambeau's 'Performative' Antics After Slow-Play Penalty
Rory McIlroy has strongly criticized fellow golfer Bryson DeChambeau, calling his behavior 'performative' and 'for attention' after DeChambeau was penalized for slow play during a recent tournament. McIlroy's comments, reported by The Irish Times, highlight a growing tension between the two players. DeChambeau received a penalty for taking too long over a shot, which McIlroy argued was part of a pattern of deliberate, attention-seeking conduct rather than genuine competitive frustration. The incident has sparked debate within the golf community about sportsmanship and the pace of play on the professional circuit.
Rory McIlroy Slams Bryson DeChambeau's 'Performative' Antics After Penalty
Rory McIlroy has publicly criticized fellow golfer Bryson DeChambeau, accusing him of 'performative' behavior following a penalty incident. McIlroy stated that DeChambeau's actions were 'for attention' rather than genuine frustration. The comments came after DeChambeau received a penalty during a tournament, leading to an animated reaction that McIlroy deemed excessive and theatrical. The Irish golfer's remarks highlight ongoing tensions between the two players, who have had a history of public disagreements. The incident has sparked debate within the golf community about sportsmanship and on-course conduct.
McIlroy Accuses DeChambeau of 'Holding The Open Hostage' Over Rules Drama
Rory McIlroy launched a scathing attack on Bryson DeChambeau, accusing him of 'performative' behavior and 'holding the tournament hostage' after a lengthy rules dispute at The Open. DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty for inadvertently improving his lie in thick rough on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale. The ruling took nearly 80 minutes to be confirmed after DeChambeau finished his round, delaying the release of tee times for the third round until nearly 11pm. McIlroy, watching with other players, said it was obvious DeChambeau improved his backswing line and that the penalty was justified. Other players including Marco Penge and Justin Thomas also criticized the delay on social media. DeChambeau expressed disappointment on social media but declined interviews.
Bryson DeChambeau Penalized Two Strokes After Second Round of The Open Championship
At the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-stroke penalty after his second round for allegedly matting down fescue behind his ball on the 5th hole to improve his swing path. The penalty, enforced by the R&A, dropped DeChambeau from -7 to -5, moving him from second place to a tie for fifth. The incident sparked controversy as video evidence emerged after his round, leading to a 30-minute on-course investigation where DeChambeau was seen arguing with officials, reportedly calling them 'crooks' and threatening not to play. The R&A defended the decision, but critics noted inconsistent enforcement compared to similar incidents at the U.S. Open. DeChambeau later confirmed he would play the weekend, setting up a highly anticipated third round.
DeChambeau 'Made Himself the Story' - Bryson's Rules Controversy Explained
Bryson DeChambeau was penalized two strokes during the second round of The Open at Royal Birkdale for inadvertently improving his lie in thick rough on the fifth hole. The penalty turned his bogey into a triple-bogey seven, dropping him three shots off the lead. DeChambeau engaged in a heated discussion with R&A officials and later practiced in near darkness before leaving without speaking to media. Golf analysts Sir Nick Faldo and Paul McGinley criticized DeChambeau for making himself the center of attention and not respecting the referees. The R&A confirmed the penalty under Rule 8.1, noting it applies even for accidental actions.
Bryson DeChambeau Handed Two-Shot Penalty in Controversial Open Ruling
Bryson DeChambeau was given a two-shot penalty during the second round of The Open at Royal Birkdale after being found to have improved his lie in thick grass at the par-four fifth hole. The two-time champion had just finished a four-under 66, moving within a shot of the lead, but was called to speak with rules officials post-round. Footage showed DeChambeau passionately pleading his innocence, but officials ruled he breached the rules, turning his bogey into a triple-bogey seven. The penalty dropped him from seven under to five under par, three strokes behind leader Lucas Herbert, who shot a 62. The ruling has been described as controversial.
Bryson DeChambeau Given Two-Shot Penalty for Improving Lie at The Open
Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-shot penalty during The Open golf tournament after officials determined he inadvertently improved his lie in thick rough on the fifth hole. The incident occurred on July 17, 2026, and was reported by Sky Sports. The penalty stemmed from a rules drama where DeChambeau's actions were deemed to have violated golf rules regarding improving the position of the ball in the rough. The penalty added two strokes to his score on that hole, impacting his standing in the tournament.