Bryson DeChambeau gets two-stroke penalty, drops to fifth

American golfer Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-stroke penalty late Friday, July 17, at The Open Championship, a ruling that dropped him from contention for the lead and cast doubt on his continued participation in the tournament. The penalty was applied after officials determined DeChambeau inadvertently improved the area of his intended swing while playing his second shot from thick rough on the par-4 fifth hole during his second round at Royal Birkdale.

DeChambeau had completed his round with a four-under-par 66, which he believed brought his total to seven-under for the championship, just one shot behind halfway leader Lucas Herbert. However, after signing his scorecard, he was approached by rules officials concerning an incident on the fifth hole. Television footage appeared to show DeChambeau walking around and possibly flattening grass near his ball before playing his shot.

The ruling was made under Rule 8.1 of the Rules of Golf, which prohibits improving the conditions affecting a stroke, including the area of a player's intended swing. Grant Moir, an R&A rules official, explained the decision to reporters, stating that DeChambeau was penalized two strokes for...