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DeChambeau Penalized Two Strokes, Drops to Tie for Fifth

7/22/2026

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Summary

DeChambeau Penalised

American golfer Bryson DeChambeau was penalised two strokes at the 2026 Open after officials said he flattened grass on the fifth-hole, dropping his score to 68 and falling from second to a tie for fifth.
DeChambeau asked that President Donald Trump be contacted to intervene, but officials denied the request.
He then refused to sign his second-round scorecard for hours, creating a backlog that delayed tee-time processing.

Summary

DeChambeau Media Blackout

Scottie Scheffler urged a return to the game's traditions and stricter rule enforcement after the Open.
Tommy Fleetwood tied for fourth with a 68, celebrated with back-to-back birdies and praised the crowd atmosphere.
Bryson DeChambeau declined all media interview requests for four days, including after his Friday penalty.
DeChambeau left the clubhouse after giving his caddie a fist bump, avoiding a post-round press conference.

History

Historical Context

The USGA and The R&A released a Rules of Golf revision effective 1 January 2019, adding stricter penalties for infractions. In the first month of 2019 the PGA Tour recorded 23 penalties, and Bryson DeChambeau’s two-stroke penalty at the 2026 Open mirrors that change. Players such as Scottie Scheffler now demand tighter enforcement in majors.

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DeChambeau Penalised

American golfer Bryson DeChambeau was penalised two strokes at the 2026 Open after officials said he flattened grass on the fifth-hole, dropping his score to 68 and falling from second to a tie for fifth.
DeChambeau asked that President Donald Trump be contacted to intervene, but officials denied the request.
He then refused to sign his second-round scorecard for hours, creating a backlog that delayed tee-time processing.

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