Full Breakdown
Bryson DeChambeau’s Penalty Dispute Delays The Open and Draws President Trump Into the Conversation
7/21/2026, 12:57:34 AM
Penalty Dispute at The Open Championship
During the second round of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on Friday, LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau finished with a 66, believing he was one shot off the lead. R&A officials later reviewed video of his tee shot on the 5th hole, which showed him “purposefully stomp[ing] the grass behind his ball to clear a path for his swing.” The R&A applied Rule 13.1c, penalizing DeChambeau two strokes for improving his intended swing area, changing his score to 68 and dropping him from solo second to a tie for fifth. Because DeChambeau had not yet signed his scorecard, the R&A held up play for nearly an hour while the penalty was confirmed, pushing the tournament’s finish past midnight.
Official R&A Statements
Grant Moir, the R&A’s executive director of governance, explained the ruling: “Bryson has been penalized two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing.” He added, “I would reiterate: This rule applies even when there’s no intention to improve the area, as was the case with Bryson.” R&A Chief Executive Mark Darbon told BBC Radio 5 that he had not received any call from President Donald Trump regarding the matter and that the organization would proceed according to its procedures.
Criticism from Fellow Players
Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy criticized DeChambeau’s conduct, saying the delay “held the tournament hostage” and was “not a great look” for the sport. The incident also resurfaced DeChambeau’s role as chairman of President Trump’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition and his representation of Trump Golf, linking the on-course controversy to his political affiliations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Bryson has been penalized two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing,” — Grant Moir, R&A executive director of governance
- “I would reiterate: This rule applies even when there's no intention to improve the area, as was the case with Bryson.” — Grant Moir
- “I have not received a call from President Trump, and we'll see what happens from here,” — Mark Darbon, R&A Chief Executive
- “To hold the tournament hostage like that, and to have all of us, players, volunteers, everyone waiting on him to depart, I didn't feel like it was a great look," four-time major champion Rory McIlroy told reporters when asked about DeChambeau's conduct during the dispute.” — Rory McIlroy, four-time major champion
