Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to eventful British Open second round
The second round of the British Open at Royal Birkdale delivered a day of intense competition and unexpected rule enforcement. While Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns made headlines by tying the major championship record with scores of 62, the focus shifted late in the day toward Bryson DeChambeau. The two-time U.S. Open champion received a two-stroke penalty following a review of his play on the fifth hole.
Officials determined that DeChambeau inadvertently tamped down grass behind his ball while navigating knee-high rough, which violated Rule 8 regarding his intended swing path. The penalty converted a bogey into a triple bogey, moving him from a 66 to a 68 on his scorecard. This shift dropped him from one shot off the lead to three shots behind, leaving him tied for fifth place as the weekend rounds approach.
The drama at the course extended beyond the rules review. Jon Rahm received an official conduct warning after throwing a club following a difficult tee shot. Despite these outbursts and penalties, the leaderboard remains crowded. Lucas Herbert enters the weekend with an 8-under 132, marking his first 36-hole lead in a major tournament.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler remains in contention, sitting four shots back after a steady 68. As the field prepares for Saturday, the pressure continues to mount on the leaders to maintain their position against a group of challengers that includes Cameron Young, Jackson Suber, and Ryan Gerard. The tournament remains wide open as players adjust to the firm, brown-baked links of the course.