Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-stroke penalty during the Open Championship after rules officials determined he had improved his lie on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. The incident occurred after DeChambeau found his ball in hip-high fescue.
Rules officials approached DeChambeau about a potential transgression on the fifth hole, leading to an animated conversation between the golfer, officials, and his caddie. DeChambeau was observed walking through the fescue, appearing to flatten the rough behind him in preparation for his shot. The discussion centered on whether this action constituted improving his lie for the swing.
During the exchange, DeChambeau vocally defended his actions, demonstrating his pre-shot routine and using hand gestures. Reports indicate he argued that the trampled fescue was not directly in the line of his swing. However, officials did not agree with his explanation and issued the penalty.
Following the ruling, DeChambeau proceeded to the driving range. His initial score of four-under-par 68 for the round was adjusted to a 70, placing him tied for fifth at 5-under par. Lucas Herbert leads the tournament, having tied the record for the lowest single-round score in a major with a 62 on Friday.