Bryson DeChambeau's pursuit of the Open title suffered a significant blow following a two-shot penalty incurred during dramatic scenes at Royal Birkdale. After a strong second round, where he posted a 66 to sit one shot off the lead at seven under par, DeChambeau was approached by rules officials.

He was accused of trampling on long grass near his ball on the fifth hole. Following an extensive review and discussion with Open officials, it was confirmed that DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty for "inadvertently improving his lie." This ruling pushed him back to five under par.

The penalty placed him three shots behind the current leader, Lucas Herbert. The incident occurred as DeChambeau was leaving the course after his round, adding to the drama of the second day of the tournament.