R&A penalises DeChambeau two shots at The Open over swing rule

Bryson DeChambeau was handed a two-shot penalty during his second round at The Open after officials ruled he improved the area of his intended backswing on the par-four fifth hole at Royal Birkdale. The ruling turned a bogey into a triple-bogey seven, dropping the American three shots off the halfway lead held by Lucas Herbert. The incident concluded following a 75-minute delay that kept players and media waiting past 11pm for confirmed third-round tee times.

Grant Moir, the R&A’s executive director of governance, confirmed the penalty fell under Rule 8.1, which applies regardless of a player's intent. "Bryson has been penalized two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing," Moir told reporters. Sir Nick Faldo pointed out the physical evidence, stating: "You watch his left foot when he steps back in to address the ball and 'wallop', that grass has been crushed considerably."

The prolonged dispute drew sharp criticism from analysts. DeChambeau engaged in a heated conversation with officials before leaving Royal Birkdale around 10.30pm without speaking to the press. Paul McGinley argued the public nature of the process was a misstep, stating: "If this had been in most places, it would have been done behind closed doors with a video camera."

The 75-minute deliberation had tangible logistical consequences for the tournament. Players who made the cut were left waiting to learn their third-round tee times because of the protracted review. McGinley noted the unfair burden placed on the rest of the competitors, asking: "Imagine how you would feel waiting at 11pm last night before the draw came out, not knowing what time you're playing? That was all so unfair and unseemly."

DeChambeau’s status as a marquee player meant the incident was captured by multiple cameras, providing officials with more angles than a standard group would typically face. Rich Beem acknowledged the inherent imbalance in modern golf coverage, though he noted that walking rules officials accompany every group at The Open. Beem argued the scrutiny is simply part of the sport's current structure: "We can't blame the cameras. Golf is never the same."

Despite overnight speculation that he might withdraw, DeChambeau ended a run of three consecutive major missed cuts to make the weekend. Faldo stressed that no individual overshadows the sport itself, regardless of their profile. "No player is bigger than the game," Faldo said. "Golf will always go on."