What was Bryson DeChambeau's penalty at The Open?

Bryson DeChambeau received a two-stroke penalty at The Open for inadvertently improving his lie in the rough on the fifth hole by trampling the fescue.

How did Bryson DeChambeau react to the ruling?

DeChambeau reportedly engaged in a heated debate with rules officials, insisted he did nothing wrong, and even threatened to withdraw from the tournament in response to the penalty.

MajorsBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamAug 4, 2026, 2:01 PM ET

Bryson DeChambeau's Rules Controversy at The Open Draws Renewed Scrutiny

A past rules infraction involving Bryson DeChambeau at The Open, where he received a two-stroke penalty, is resurfacing in discussions, drawing criticism for his reaction to the ruling.

Bryson DeChambeau faced a significant rules controversy during a past Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, where he was assessed a two-stroke penalty. The R&A determined that DeChambeau had inadvertently improved his lie in the rough on the fifth hole by trampling the fescue while preparing for his shot. This ruling proved costly, as DeChambeau, who was initially just one shot off the lead after 36 holes, found himself three shots back heading into the weekend following the penalty.

DeChambeau's response to the ruling has been a focal point of recent commentary. He reportedly engaged in a heated debate with rules officials after play concluded, insisting he had done nothing wrong. The situation escalated to the point where DeChambeau reportedly threatened to withdraw from the tournament. Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee publicly criticized DeChambeau's conduct, stating it was "really hard to stomach."

This incident highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny top golfers face, both on the course and in their interactions with officials. DeChambeau remains a prominent figure in professional golf, currently listed at +500 (FanDuel) for LIV Golf New York, reflecting his ongoing status as a leading contender in the sport. His past reactions to rulings continue to be a topic of discussion among golf observers.

The controversy surrounding DeChambeau's penalty was also noted for drawing comparisons to a separate incident involving Wyndham Clark at the U.S. Open. While details of Clark's situation were not specified, the parallel was raised as a point of contention regarding the consistency of rules enforcement. Wyndham Clark is currently priced at +6000 (FanDuel) for the Masters Tournament.

The revisiting of DeChambeau's conduct underscores the ongoing debate within golf regarding rules interpretation, player behavior, and the impact of such incidents on a tournament's outcome. His strong reaction to the penalty at Royal Birkdale remains a memorable moment in his career, shaping perceptions of his temperament under pressure.

Compare the odds

U.S. Open odds →Masters Tournament odds →Masters Tournament odds →New York odds →LIV Golf New York odds →Wyndham odds →Wyndham Clark Bryson DeChambeau

FAQ

What was Bryson DeChambeau's penalty at The Open?: Bryson DeChambeau received a two-stroke penalty at The Open for inadvertently improving his lie in the rough on the fifth hole by trampling the fescue.
How did Bryson DeChambeau react to the ruling?: DeChambeau reportedly engaged in a heated debate with rules officials, insisted he did nothing wrong, and even threatened to withdraw from the tournament in response to the penalty.