Bryson DeChambeau expressed frustration and hinted at a potential withdrawal from the British Open after receiving a two-stroke penalty for improving his lie on the fifth hole during the second round at Royal Birkdale.
DeChambeau, who was positioned one shot off the lead at 7-under par, was assessed the penalty after landing in native fescue and stepping around the area as he lined up his next shot. According to lip readers on social media, DeChambeau stated, “I won’t play tomorrow” when pleading his case with rules officials. USA Network reporter Todd Lewis reported that DeChambeau was frustrated after signing his scorecard and intended to show officials that he did not improve his lie.
DeChambeau returned to the fifth hole after his round with rules officials. During the exchange, he was seen flinging his arms in the air and appearing exasperated as he attempted to contest the penalty. The two-stroke penalty caused DeChambeau to drop from second place to a tie for fifth, despite shooting a 2-under par for the second round.
It remains unclear whether DeChambeau will follow through on his threat to not play in the third round.