Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to eventful British Open second round
Bryson DeChambeau Penalty Adds Controversy to British Open Second Round
Royal Birkdale Delivers Drama and Records
Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to eventful – The British Open second round at Royal Birkdale became one of the most talked-about days in recent memory, with Bryson DeChambeau penalty adds controversy to the mix of record-breaking performances. Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns both shot 62, tying the major championship scoring record on the same day. While Herbert celebrated his historic round, DeChambeau faced an unexpected setback that could cost him dearly in the weekend rounds.
The controversy began on the fifth hole, where DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty for inadvertently improving his swing path. Officials determined that a section of grass behind his ball had been tamped down while he was navigating knee-high grass to the right of the hole. The penalty transformed what would have been a bogey into a triple bogey, shifting DeChambeau’s position on the leaderboard significantly.
Records Fall Amidst On-Course Tension
Herbert finished with a birdie-birdie to card a 4-under 66, initially placing him just one stroke behind Burns. The Australian had narrowly missed a five-foot par putt on the final hole that would have secured a remarkable 61. Burns, meanwhile, remained unaware that he had joined an elite group of golfers who had shot 62 in a major championship. His serendipitous journey to this moment included a spontaneous trip to England after his wife gave birth to their second daughter on July 3.
Jon Rahm added to the day’s drama with an official conduct warning after angrily throwing his club following a disappointing tee shot. The defending champion missed a four-foot birdie putt on the closing hole before shooting 67, remaining firmly in contention despite the risk of another violation carrying a two-shot penalty.
DeChambeau’s Future Uncertain After Ruling
DeChambeau’s frustration was evident as he finished with a birdie-birdie to card a 4-under 66, initially placing him just one stroke behind Herbert. However, officials requested he review his fifth-hole shot, and the situation quickly escalated. The two-time U.S. Open champion was visibly agitated, waving his arms and pointing as he argued with tournament officials near the 321-yard hole.
The situation grew even more dramatic when DeChambeau, who has notably stopped speaking with media members, stormed off toward the practice range. When asked whether the champion would continue competing on Saturday, his agent Brett Falkoff offered a measured response: “We’ll see,” he said. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
DeChambeau later expressed his perspective on social media, stating: “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.”
Leaderboard Takes Final Shape
By the time the drama subsided on the brown-baked links, Herbert stood alone at the top with an 8-under 132, claiming his first 36-hole lead in a major championship. He became the sixth player in history to shoot 62 in a major, while Burns followed as the seventh.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler struggled with his putting until sinking a 12-footer for par on the closing hole, finishing with a 68 and remaining four shots off the pace. Jackson Suber and Ryan Gerard, both newcomers to links golf, shared second place alongside Cameron Young. Rahm, who missed a four-foot birdie putt on the final hole before shooting 67, remained firmly in contention, also four shots behind and showing no signs of reducing his intensity despite the risk of another conduct violation carrying a two-shot penalty.
The golf world’s oldest championship, never short on drama, had certainly delivered more than expected on this eventful Friday.
