Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to eventful British Open second round
Bryson DeChambeau Penalty Adds Controversy to British Open
Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to eventful – The British Open second round at Royal Birkdale proved to be one of the most dramatic days in recent memory. While Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns made history with record-breaking 62s, Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to the tournament as officials ruled on a potential rules violation. The incident dramatically shifted DeChambeau’s position heading into the weekend, turning what could have been a strong showing into a challenging battle.
Record-Breaking Performances
Herbert entered the final hole aiming for a 61, but his 5-foot par putt slipped by, leaving him at 62. He became only the sixth golfer in major championship history to shoot that score. Burns, meanwhile, didn’t realize he had matched the record until after his round ended. His remarkable finish featured a birdie-birdie-birdie closing sequence, including a hole-out from a pot bunker, making him the seventh player to achieve this in a major.
DeChambeau finished with a 4-under 66 through birdie-birdie strokes on his final holes. He was initially positioned just one shot behind Herbert when officials called him to review his fifth-hole shot. The American had been playing well, but the rules review would change everything.
The Controversial Ruling
DeChambeau asked to examine the exact spot where the alleged infraction occurred, located in thick, high grass to the right of the 321-yard fifth hole. Television cameras showed the two-time U.S. Open champion gesturing animatedly as he attempted a 72-yard shot from knee-high vegetation. The issue centered on Rule 8, which governs the intended swing path.
After thorough examination, officials determined that grass positioned behind DeChambeau’s ball had been compressed, potentially affecting his backswing. The ruling resulted in a two-stroke penalty, turning what would have been a bogey into a triple bogey. DeChambeau’s score moved from 66 to 68, dropping him from one shot behind to three shots back, tying for fifth place.
The Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to an already eventful day. Storming toward the practice range, his agent Brett Falkoff was asked if the champion would continue Saturday’s competition. “We’ll see,” Falkoff replied. “Your guess is as good as mine.” DeChambeau later shared his thoughts: “Obviously disappointed with the ruling. I don’t agree with it, but it is what it is. This fires me up. Onto the weekend. Let’s get it.”
Other Stories from the Day
Jon Rahm added his own drama by receiving an official conduct warning after throwing his club following a poor tee shot. The Spanish star, who missed a 4-foot birdie attempt on the closing hole while shooting 67, remains firmly in contention at four shots off the pace. Another conduct violation would carry a two-stroke penalty.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler struggled with his putting throughout the round before sinking a 12-footer for par on the final hole, finishing with a 68 and positioning himself four strokes behind the leader. Jackson Suber and Ryan Gerard, both newcomers to links golf, shared second place alongside Cameron Young.
Burns’ presence at the tournament carried special significance. His wife was scheduled to deliver their second child that week, but when their daughter arrived early on July 3, Burns made the decision to travel across the Atlantic for another major championship attempt. He had previously finished as runner-up by a single stroke in the U.S. Open.
As the afternoon light faded over the brown-baked links, Herbert stood alone at 8-under 132, claiming his first 36-hole lead in a major championship. The golf world’s oldest tournament, never short of excitement, had certainly delivered more than its fair share of drama for the second round.
