Full Breakdown
Bryson DeChambeau's Two-Shot Penalty Shapes Open Championship Outcome
7/26/2026, 9:05:25 PM
Two-Shot Penalty at Royal Birkdale
During the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, Bryson DeChambeau received a retrospective two-stroke penalty on the fifth hole after officials determined he had stood on and flattened long grass to enlarge his backswing area. The penalty changed his Friday 66 to a 68, turning a bogey on that hole into a triple bogey and dropping him from second to fifth place on the leaderboard.
Impact on DeChambeau’s Performance
DeChambeau opened with rounds of 67 and 66 (later adjusted to 68), posted a third-round 69 and finished with a 72 on the final day. He ended the tournament at four under par, six shots behind winner Ryan Fox, who claimed his first major with a 10-under total.
Official Statements & Responses
Tournament officials explained the penalty stemmed from a video review that showed DeChambeau altering the playing surface, a violation of the Rules of Golf. He also noted his continued participation in the LIV Golf UK event at JCB Golf and Country Club.
