Bryson DeChambeau 2-stroke penalty at British Open 2026: What we know
Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-stroke penalty at the 2026 Open Championship for a rules violation involving the improvement of his lie in the fescue grass. Despite the penalty, DeChambeau expressed determination to continue competing through the weekend.
Why it matters
Rules controversies in professional golf often spark significant debate regarding the interpretation of regulations and player integrity.
Hear this story Bryson DeChambeau's surge up the 2026 Open Championship leaderboard came to an abrupt halt when tournament officials assessed him a two-stroke penalty for a rules violation during Round 2, an R&A official confirmed on Friday, July 17.
DeChambeau had just finished what appeared to be a second consecutive resurgent round playing alongside Scottie Scheffler at Royal Birkdale, vaulting into second place behind leader Lucas Herbert when the post-round drama began to unfold. Cameras showed DeChambeau emerging from the scoring tent in an animated discussion with a rules official. A report from the USA Sports broadcast indicated it stemmed from a disagreement related to how DeChambeau approached his second shot on the fifth hole.
"The rules official said I improved my lie," DeChambeau said to his associates as he left the scoring tent, according to the report.
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