Bryson DeChambeau found himself embroiled in controversy at the Open Championship. He had finished the day tied for second place, but a potential rule breach changed the situation.
During play on the fifth hole, officials approached DeChambeau about an incident near his second shot area. The two-time U.S. Open winner was animated as he discussed the situation with his caddie and several officials.
Photographs from the day show DeChambeau engaging with a rules official after day two of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England.
DeChambeau had to face allegations of improving his lie in the rough. His actions involved stomping behind where his ball lay in hip-high fescue, flattening the area for his swing. He argued that the flattened fescue was not in the direct path of his swing.
A tense exchange followed, with DeChambeau defending his actions. He demonstrated his pre-shot routine and emphatically made his case. Regardless, officials imposed a two-stroke penalty.
After the penalty adjustment, DeChambeau’s initial score of a four-under 68 became a 70. This placed him in a tie for fifth at five under instead of second.
Lucas Herbert emerged as the sole leader after shooting a remarkable 62, equaling the lowest score in a major round.
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