Bryson DeChambeau has returned to Royal Birkdale to compete in the third round of The Open Championship, despite having threatened to withdraw following a controversial two-stroke penalty assessed during Friday's play.
The LIV Golf player was penalized for inadvertently improving his lie on the fifth hole during the second round. The penalty downgraded his round of 66 to a 68, pushing him three shots behind the overnight leaders. In the immediate aftermath of the ruling, DeChambeau had a heated exchange with officials and indicated he might not continue in the tournament.
Return to Play
However, after a period of reflection, DeChambeau confirmed via social media that he would participate in the third round. He stepped onto the first tee for his scheduled 3:30 p.m. tee time on Saturday, seeking to contend with leaders Ryan Fox and Lucas Herbert.
DeChambeau received a warm reception from the crowd at the first tee, with spectators cheering and applauding as he was announced. His opening tee shot of the third round landed in the rough on the left side of the fairway, but he was able to manage the lie and hit the green, ultimately saving par.
This marks the first time this year that DeChambeau has made it to the weekend of a major championship, having missed the cut at the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open. Despite the penalty, he remains within three shots of the lead.
Penalty Details
The incident occurred on the fifth hole when DeChambeau, playing his second shot, appeared to trample down the thick rough around his ball with his feet, an action that could be interpreted as improving his lie for the backswing. Chief referee Grant Moir clarified that DeChambeau was penalized for "inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing." Moir stressed that such a penalty applies even if the action is accidental, as it was deemed to be in DeChambeau's case.
The penalty is the latest dramatic episode in the 154-year history of The Open. DeChambeau was notified of the potential breach after his round, based on television footage, and was taken back to the site of the incident to discuss it with officials. He was visibly upset, protesting his innocence.
Following the events, DeChambeau posted edited images on Instagram that showed him appearing to float above the course's fescue, a subtle jab at the R&A and the ruling.
