Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to eventful British Open second round
Bryson DeChambeau Penalty Adds Controversy to British Open
Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to eventful – The British Open second round at Royal Birkdale delivered both record-breaking performances and heated debate. While Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns made history with rounds of 62, Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to an otherwise celebratory day. The two-time U.S. Open champion’s two-shot penalty transformed a potential triumph into frustration and discussion among players and fans alike.
Historic Rounds Mark the Day
Herbert’s 62 was particularly meaningful, as he narrowly missed the individual major record. A 5-foot par putt on the closing hole would have given him 61, but he settled for the shared milestone. Burns, meanwhile, remained unaware he had joined an elite group of golfers after finishing his round. Herbert showed mild disappointment despite his achievement, while Burns celebrated without fully grasping the significance of his performance.
Jon Rahm added to the day’s drama with an official conduct warning after throwing his club in frustration following a poor tee shot. The Spanish star shot a 67 and stayed within four shots of the lead, though another penalty loomed if he repeated the behavior.
The Controversial Ruling
DeChambeau started strong, finishing with birdie-birdie to post a 4-under 66. He sat just one shot behind Herbert heading into the weekend. But officials asked him to review his shot from the fifth hole, triggering a chain of events that reshaped his tournament position. Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to the British Open as many questioned the decision.
The incident unfolded on the 321-yard fifth hole, where DeChambeau found himself in knee-high grass to the right of the fairway. Struggling with a 72-yard approach, he stomped around while television cameras captured his animated exchanges with officials. The debate centered on Rule 8, which governs the intended swing, and whether DeChambeau had inadvertently improved conditions for his stroke.
After reviewing the situation, officials concluded that a section of grass behind the ball had been tamped down, potentially affecting DeChambeau’s backswing. The two-stroke penalty turned what would have been a bogey into a triple bogey. His score moved from 66 to 68, dropping him from one shot behind to three shots behind the leader and tying him for fifth place.
DeChambeau’s Response and Weekend Outlook
Frustration was evident as DeChambeau headed toward the practice range. His agent Brett Falkoff offered a measured response when asked about his client’s Saturday plans: “We’ll see,” he said. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
DeChambeau later addressed the situation publicly: “Obviously disappointed with the ruling. I don’t agree with it, but it is what it is. This fires me up. Onto the weekend. Let’s get it.”
“Obviously disappointed with the ruling. I don’t agree with it, but it is what it is. This fires me up.”
Herbert and Burns Join History
As DeChambeau’s controversy unfolded, Herbert had already departed with mixed emotions. He took pride in becoming the sixth golfer in history to shoot 62 in a major championship. Twenty-two minutes later, Burns completed his round with a spectacular birdie-birdie-birdie finish, holing out from a pot bunker to become the seventh player to reach the 62 milestone.
Burns’ presence at the tournament carried special significance. His wife was scheduled to give birth to their second child that week, but when she delivered their daughter on July 3—earlier than expected—Burns traveled to England for another major attempt. He had previously finished as runner-up by one shot in the U.S. Open.
Championship Standings Take Shape
As the day concluded on Royal Birkdale’s brown-baked links, Herbert stood alone at the top of the leaderboard at 8-under 132, claiming his first 36-hole lead in a major championship. The tournament, golf’s oldest and most storied event, had certainly delivered more drama than usual.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler struggled with his putting throughout the round before finally sinking a 12-footer for par on the final hole. His 68 left him four shots behind the leader. Meanwhile, newcomers to links golf Jackson Suber and Ryan Gerard tied for second alongside Cameron Young, demonstrating that the field remained wide open heading into the weekend.
With Rahm also sitting four shots back and DeChambeau three shots behind, the British Open promised an exciting conclusion to what had already been an eventful second round.