Why did Bryson DeChambeau receive a penalty at The Open Championship?

Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-shot penalty after his second round at Royal Birkdale, a decision R&A chief executive Mark Darbon stated was 'clear-cut' from a rules perspective.

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

At the time Bryson DeChambeau received his two-shot penalty, Australian golfer Lucas Herbert was leading The Open Championship.

MajorsBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamAug 7, 2026, 5:00 AM ET

R&A Boss Calls DeChambeau Open Penalty 'Clear-Cut Decision'

R&A chief executive Mark Darbon affirmed the two-shot penalty against Bryson DeChambeau at The Open Championship was a straightforward application of the rules, impacting his standing in the tournament.

Bryson DeChambeau's pursuit of the Claret Jug at The Open Championship was significantly impacted by a two-shot penalty, a decision R&A chief executive Mark Darbon described as "clear-cut." The penalty, issued after Friday's second round at Royal Birkdale, saw DeChambeau's score adjusted, placing him three shots behind then-leader Lucas Herbert before the third round commenced.

Darbon clarified that the ruling was an "unfortunate decision but really clear-cut from a rules perspective," emphasizing the strict application of golf's regulations. In a light-hearted exchange with BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter, Darbon also confirmed he had not received any communication from President Donald Trump regarding the incident, despite Trump's known association with DeChambeau and past interventions in sports rulings.

The penalty, which adjusted DeChambeau's Friday score from seven under par to five under, was reported to have "fired up" the American contender. Despite the setback at The Open, DeChambeau remains a prominent figure in professional golf. He is currently priced at +3500 (Bovada) for the LIV Golf New York event.

Lucas Herbert, who held the lead at The Open at the time of DeChambeau's penalty, was positioned favorably. Herbert is also competing in current golf markets, with his odds for the LIV Golf New York tournament listed at +350 (Bovada).

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FAQ

Why did Bryson DeChambeau receive a penalty at The Open Championship?: Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-shot penalty after his second round at Royal Birkdale, a decision R&A chief executive Mark Darbon stated was 'clear-cut' from a rules perspective.
Who was leading The Open Championship when DeChambeau received his penalty?: At the time Bryson DeChambeau received his two-shot penalty, Australian golfer Lucas Herbert was leading The Open Championship.