Why Bryson DeChambeau was given a two-stroke penalty at the British Open
Bryson DeChambeau received a two-stroke penalty at the British Open. Here’s what happened and why the verdict was handed down.
The Open
Bryson DeChambeau publicly commented after receiving a two-stroke penalty at the British Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club on Friday, July 17th.
“Obviously disappointed in the verdict,” the golfer posted on X later that day. “I don’t agree with that, but that’s the reality.”
The 2024 U.S. Open champion was penalized after finishing the second round in second place at 7 under, one stroke behind surprise leader Lucas Herbert. Officials issued him a warning for stepping on long grass on the fifth hole, improving his lie and clearing the way for his backswing. As a result of this penalty, his triple-bogey 7 on this hole was corrected, and the 32-year-old dropped to a tie for fifth place at 5 under.
R&A referee Grant Moir explained the penalty to the media at a press conference. He said the rule in question “limits what a player can do to improve protected conditions that affect the stroke, including the range of the player’s intended swing. … I want to stress that this applies even when the action is accidental, as in Bryson’s case.”
“Athletes are required to take the least intrusive action to deal with a particular situation and are not entitled to a normal stance or swing,” Moir continued. “This rule applies even if there is no intention to improve the area.”
After the round, DeChambeau and his staff returned to the fifth hole in a golf cart to assess the situation, said R&A rules official Charlie Mullan. Afterwards, golfers were seen coming out of the scoring tent while talking enthusiastically with officials. The player apparently told another official that he would not play tomorrow in the third round.
After all, it looks like he plans to keep playing.
“Excited about this,” his social media post continued. “Let’s go on the weekend.”
Contributor: Mark Giannotto
