DeChambeau Penalized Two Strokes at The Open for Improving Lie

Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-stroke penalty at The Open on Friday after officials determined he had inadvertently improved the area of his intended backswing on the fifth hole. DeChambeau struck his ball into high grass to the right of the hole during his round.

Officials later drove him back to the fifth hole to review the area and then escorted him to the recorders hut at Royal Birkdale.

Rules official Grant Moir said DeChambeau had been penalized two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of intended backswing on the fifth hole, violating rule 8.1. DP World Tour rules referee Graeme Storm said DeChambeau improved the line of play by stepping back on the long grass behind his line of play.

Storm added that intent does not matter under the rules. DeChambeau finished the round with a 66 after back-to-back birdies before the penalty was applied.

Rahm received a warning after throwing his club in frustration on the 15th hole. Rahm carded a 67 and sat four shots off the lead. He said he knew why an official approached him on the 17th hole and added that he should not have reacted that way. Rahm described himself as more intense and passionate than many players.

“Bryson has been penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of intended backswing on fifth hole.”

“He’s improved the line of play for his club to be able to hit the golf ball. Whether that’s intentional doesn't really matter.”