Why was Bryson DeChambeau penalized at The Open Championship?

Bryson DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty after officials determined he unintentionally improved his lie by taking heavy steps around his ball in the thick rough on the fifth hole.

What was Sir Nick Faldo's reaction to the penalty?

Sir Nick Faldo publicly supported the R&A's decision to penalize Bryson DeChambeau, backing the officials' ruling.

MajorsBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamAug 6, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

Faldo Supports R&A Penalty Call on DeChambeau at The Open Championship

Bryson DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty after his second round at The Open Championship, a decision publicly supported by Sir Nick Faldo.

Bryson DeChambeau found himself embroiled in controversy following the second round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. After a strong performance that placed him just one shot off the lead, DeChambeau's position was jeopardized by an investigation from the R&A regarding an incident on the fifth hole. The outcome was a two-shot penalty, significantly altering his standing heading into the weekend.

The penalty stemmed from DeChambeau's actions after a wayward drive landed him in thick rough. Replays showed him taking several heavy steps around his ball, an action that officials determined unintentionally improved his lie by compressing the grass behind the ball. DeChambeau, 32, expressed considerable displeasure with the ruling, reportedly even threatening to withdraw from the third round of the tournament.

Despite DeChambeau's objections, golf legend Sir Nick Faldo publicly backed the R&A's decision. Speaking on Sky Sports, Faldo supported the officials' judgment to penalize DeChambeau for the infraction. The ruling underscored the strict adherence to the Rules of Golf, even when an improvement to a lie is deemed unintentional.

The penalty at Royal Birkdale marked a notable moment in DeChambeau's major championship history, particularly at The Open, a tournament he has yet to master. Despite such setbacks, DeChambeau remains a prominent figure in professional golf. He is currently listed at +3500 (Bovada) for LIV Golf New York, reflecting his ongoing presence in competitive fields.

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FAQ

Why was Bryson DeChambeau penalized at The Open Championship?: Bryson DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty after officials determined he unintentionally improved his lie by taking heavy steps around his ball in the thick rough on the fifth hole.
What was Sir Nick Faldo's reaction to the penalty?: Sir Nick Faldo publicly supported the R&A's decision to penalize Bryson DeChambeau, backing the officials' ruling.