DeChambeau’s Penalty at Royal Birkdale
Bryson DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty during the second round of The Open at Royal Birkdale. The American golfer was accused of trampling on long grass near his ball on the fifth hole. This action was deemed to have inadvertently improved his lie, leading to the penalty.
The incident occurred after DeChambeau had completed his round, which initially placed him one shot off the lead at seven under par. Following discussions with rules officials, the penalty was confirmed, moving him back to five under par and three shots behind the leader, Lucas Herbert.
Grant Moir, the R&A‘s executive director of governance, stated that DeChambeau was penalised for “inadvertently improving the area of intended backswing on fifth hole.” Moir emphasised that this rule applies even when the action is accidental, as it was in DeChambeau’s case.
Post-Round Drama Unfolds
After finishing his round, DeChambeau was approached by rules officials regarding the incident on the fifth hole. Television footage reportedly showed him walking around the area of his ball before taking his shot, which officials believed improved the area for his club’s swing.
DeChambeau spent over 20 minutes discussing the issue with officials, including R&A chief executive Mark Darbon, in the recorders’ office. During this time, he was observed in animated discussions with officials, displaying frustration.
His agent, Brett Falkoff, was also present during the exchange. Falkoff later stated that his client was not a cheat and was not attempting to gain an unfair advantage, though he acknowledged DeChambeau felt unfairly penalised.
DeChambeau’s Reaction and Future Play
Following the confirmation of the penalty, DeChambeau expressed his disappointment on social media. He wrote, “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.”
Initially, there was uncertainty about whether DeChambeau would continue playing in the championship. He did not provide assurances when asked by reporters if he would return for the third round. His agent also indicated that a decision would be made on Saturday morning.
Despite the controversy, DeChambeau is listed to tee off for his third round. The penalty changed his standing from outright second to tied for fifth.
Graeme Storm, a DP World Tour rules official, explained that improving the line of play for a club to hit the golf ball, whether intentional or not, results in a general penalty of two shots. DeChambeau’s bogey on the fifth hole was consequently changed to a triple bogey seven.
The golfer’s approach to the game has often been described as idiosyncratic. Earlier in the week, three-time Open champion Nick Faldo had questioned DeChambeau’s strategy for the tournament.
DeChambeau’s golf on Friday, prior to the penalty, had impressed some observers. Former European Tour winner Andrew Murray noted his patience and sensible approach, particularly his short game, suggesting he has the game to win at Royal Birkdale.
DeChambeau, a two-time US Open champion, has not previously won The Open. He is scheduled to tee off at 3.30pm local time for his third round.
Read Also
Source: bbc.com
