Open 2026: Bryson DeChambeau's two-shot penalty at Royal Birkdale was a 'clear-cut decision', says R&A chief Mark Darbon
R&A chief Mark Darbon defended the two-shot penalty given to Bryson DeChambeau at the Open Championship as a clear-cut rules decision. DeChambeau remains in contention for the title despite the setback.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the strict enforcement of rules in professional golf and the public interest in high-stakes tournament officiating.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, DeChambeau is now three shots behind Australian leader Lucas Herbert before his third round at Birkdale
BBC Sport golf reporter at Royal Birkdale Published 18 July 2026 The two-shot penalty given to Bryson DeChambeau at the Open Championship was a "clear-cut decision", according to R&A chief executive Mark Darbon.
The American superstar's hopes of lifting the Claret Jug were hampered when he was penalised in dramatic scenes after Friday's second round at Royal Birkdale.
Darbon added he had not been contacted by President Donald Trump, who is close to DeChambeau and controversially asked football governing body Fifa to review United States striker Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension at the World Cup earlier this month.
"It was an unfortunate decision but really clear-cut from a rules perspective," Darbon told BBC Radio 5 Live.
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