Bryson DeChambeau has returned to Royal Birkdale to compete in the third round of The Open Championship, following a dispute over a penalty assessed after Friday's play. The LIV Golf player had initially threatened to withdraw from the major championship after receiving a two-stroke penalty.
DeChambeau's second-round score of 66 was adjusted to a 68 after he was found to have improved his lie on the fifth hole. This change dropped him from a tie for second place to a tie for sixth, three shots behind the overnight leaders. He expressed his displeasure with the ruling during a heated exchange with officials. However, after a period of reflection, DeChambeau confirmed via social media that he would continue in the tournament.
He proceeded to the tee for his 3:30 p.m. tee time on Saturday, aiming to close the gap on leaders Ryan Fox and Lucas Herbert. The British crowd welcomed DeChambeau with cheers and applause as he began his third round. This marks his first time making the cut at a major championship this year, having missed the cut at the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open.
Despite backtracking on his threat to withdraw, DeChambeau made a subtle jab at the R&A. He posted edited images on Instagram that appeared to show him hovering above the course's fescue. The penalty stemmed from footage showing DeChambeau appearing to trample on the thick rough around his ball before his second shot on the fifth hole, potentially improving the area for his backswing.
Chief referee Grant Moir explained that DeChambeau was penalized for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing, which constitutes a breach of the rules, even if unintentional. Moir clarified that improving the area affecting the stroke, such as the intended backswing area, can lead to a penalty if it offers a potential advantage.