Bryson DeChambeau handed two-shot penalty at The Open for improving lie, sparking controversy

Published Jul 17, 08:37 PM UTC

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.