What was Bryson DeChambeau's penalty at The Open Championship?

Bryson DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty during the second round of The Open Championship for stepping on fescue grass near his ball on the par-4 5th hole.

How did the penalty affect Bryson DeChambeau's score?

The two-shot penalty changed Bryson DeChambeau's perceived second-round score from a 66 to a 68, impacting his position on the leaderboard.

Who was leading The Open Championship when DeChambeau received his penalty?

Lucas Herbert was leading The Open Championship at seven under par, one shot ahead of Bryson DeChambeau's initial score, before DeChambeau's penalty was assessed.

MajorsBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamAug 4, 2026, 8:03 AM ET

Bryson DeChambeau Receives Two-Shot Penalty at The Open, Threatens Withdrawal

A late-round ruling at Royal Birkdale saw Bryson DeChambeau assessed a two-shot penalty, sparking controversy and a reported threat to withdraw from The Open Championship.

Bryson DeChambeau was at the center of a significant controversy during the second round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, receiving a two-shot penalty that dramatically altered his standing. The decision, handed down by R&A officials, occurred in the waning moments of Friday's play and generated considerable drama, adding to the championship's long history of impactful rulings since its inception in 1860.

The infraction took place on the par-4 5th hole. Video footage surfaced showing DeChambeau stepping on the wispy, long fescue grass located behind and next to his ball as he prepared to play his second shot. He was assessing a 72-yard wedge approach when the incident occurred, which was later deemed a violation of the rules, resulting in the two-stroke assessment.

DeChambeau had initially believed he had carded a four-under 66 for his second round, a score that would have placed him in solo second position at seven under par, just one shot behind the leader, Lucas Herbert. However, upon arriving at the scorer's cabin, officials alerted him to the video evidence and the impending penalty. This ruling changed his score to a 68, significantly impacting his leaderboard position and prompting a strong reaction from DeChambeau, who reportedly threatened to withdraw from the tournament.

The late notification and the nature of the penalty contributed to a chaotic scene, throwing the event into disarray as the leaderboard was adjusted. Such rulings, particularly those involving video review and occurring after a player has completed their round, often ignite debate within the golf community regarding their timing and application.

Despite the drama at The Open, both DeChambeau and Herbert remain prominent figures in professional golf. Bryson DeChambeau is currently listed at +600 (FanDuel) for LIV Golf New York, while Lucas Herbert is priced at +1400 (FanDuel) for the same event, reflecting their ongoing presence in competitive markets.

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FAQ

What was Bryson DeChambeau's penalty at The Open Championship?: Bryson DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty during the second round of The Open Championship for stepping on fescue grass near his ball on the par-4 5th hole.
How did the penalty affect Bryson DeChambeau's score?: The two-shot penalty changed Bryson DeChambeau's perceived second-round score from a 66 to a 68, impacting his position on the leaderboard.
Who was leading The Open Championship when DeChambeau received his penalty?: Lucas Herbert was leading The Open Championship at seven under par, one shot ahead of Bryson DeChambeau's initial score, before DeChambeau's penalty was assessed.