Bryson DeChambeau Penalty Adds Controversy to British Open
Record Rounds and Rules Debate Define Second Day
Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to eventful – Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to the eventful British Open second round on Friday. Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns made history by matching the major championship record with rounds of 62. While celebrating these achievements, Bryson DeChambeau became the center of attention after receiving a two-shot penalty for inadvertently improving his swing path during play.
Herbert felt slight disappointment despite his accomplishment, mentioning he had missed a five-foot par putt that would have given him a 61. Burns, on the other hand, did not realize he had tied a historic milestone. DeChambeau’s frustration was evident as he consistently draws attention whether on or off the course.
The golfer completed his round with a birdie-birdie sequence to shoot a 4-under 66, sitting one stroke ahead of Herbert before officials intervened. They asked him to review his shot from the fifth hole, which altered the entire storyline. DeChambeau requested transport to the spot of the alleged infraction, located in thick, high grass beside the 321-yard hole. Television cameras showed him having an animated conversation with tournament officials.
After finding knee-high grass to the right, DeChambeau was seen stomping around while trying to navigate a 72-yard approach to the green. The main issue involved Rule 8, which governs the intended swing. The golfer waved his arms and pointed in clear frustration. Officials eventually ruled that a section of grass behind the ball had been tamped down, potentially impacting his backswing on that shot.
DeChambeau made bogey on the hole, which turned into a triple bogey. His score changed from 66 to 68, moving him from one shot behind to three shots behind the leader, tying for fifth place.
Tournament Drama Continues Into Weekend
Additional drama emerged when DeChambeau, who has stopped speaking with the media, walked toward the practice range. His agent, Brett Falkoff, was asked if the two-time U.S. Open champion would play on Saturday. “We’ll see,” he answered. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Herbert had already left with mixed feelings about a short miss on the closing hole but remained proud to become the sixth person to shoot 62 in a major championship. Twenty-two minutes later, Burns holed out from a pot bunker for a birdie-birdie-birdie finish, making him the seventh person to accomplish this feat.
Burns was not even planning to attend The Open. His wife was supposed to give birth to their second child that week, but when she delivered a daughter earlier than expected on July 3, Burns decided the previous Friday to travel across for another shot at a major title. He had finished as runner-up by one shot in the U.S. Open.
As events on the brown-baked links of Royal Birkdale wrapped up, Herbert stood alone at 8-under 132 with his first 36-hole lead in a major championship. Golf’s oldest tournament, which rarely lacks excitement, appeared to have more than enough to offer.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler struggled with his putting until a 12-footer for par on the final hole produced a 68, leaving him four shots behind the leader. Jackson Suber and Ryan Gerard, newcomers to links golf, shared second place alongside Cameron Young. Jon Rahm, who missed a four-foot birdie putt on the closing hole and shot 67, remained firmly in contention, four shots back and showing no intention of reducing his intensity, even though another conduct violation would carry a two-shot penalty.
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.
