Bryson DeChambeau was hit with a two‑shot penalty after officials determined he had inadvertently improved the area of his intended swing while playing from the rough during his round at The Open. The decision, announced after the American had signed his card, altered his posted score and his position on the leaderboard.
Penalty changes score and standing
DeChambeau had completed a round that was recorded as a 66, putting him provisionally into second place. Following a review of how he played the driveable par‑four fifth, however, referees judged that he had improved the area of his backswing while attempting to play from long grass. The ruling resulted in his round being adjusted to a 68 and his standing dropping to a tie for fifth.
“Bryson has been penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing, his backswing, when he was playing his second shot,”
The explanation was provided by the R&A’s executive director for governance, who set out the nature of the alleged breach following discussions with the player and officials.
On‑course exchange and aftermath
Eyewitness accounts describe an animated exchange at the spot where the ball lay, with DeChambeau demonstrating his stance and stroke as officials examined the lie. After signing his card, he was taken to the recorders’ office while other competitors remained on course. He subsequently made bogey on the hole in question; after the penalty was applied his score for the hole was recorded as a seven on the official leaderboard.
Following the decision, DeChambeau spoke briefly to media before heading to the practice ground. “I’m going to hit some balls,” he said, and then spent almost 40 minutes hitting shots on the range under floodlights before leaving later in the evening.
Immediate consequences and context
The application of rules relating to improving the area of intended swing from the rough has been a point of contention in professional golf, and this episode underscores how post‑round reviews can change results after a competitor has signed their scorecard. The adjustment not only affected DeChambeau’s position but also reshaped the composition of the groups for the following day.
- Original posted round: 66
- Official amended round: 68
- Change in leaderboard: from second place to a share of fifth
| Detail | Before penalty | After penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Round score | 66 | 68 |
| Leaderboard position | Second | Joint fifth |
| Hole in question | Driveable par‑four, fifth | |
While the ruling is likely to be debated among players, officials and supporters, the R&A concluded its assessment and applied the prescribed penalty. The situation highlights the narrow margin for error in interpretation of playing conditions and player actions under the rules at the highest level of the sport.
