Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-stroke penalty during the second round of the 154th Open Championship for allegedly improving his lie in the tall grass before his second shot on the fifth hole. The R&A's executive director of governance, Grant Moir, stated that DeChambeau inadvertently improved the area of his intended swing, violating Rule 8.1 of the Rules of Golf, which promotes playing the course as it is found.

The penalty dropped DeChambeau from solo second place at 7 under to a tie for fifth at 5 under after 36 holes. His score on the fifth hole was changed from a bogey to a triple-bogey 7. DeChambeau's tee shot on the fifth hole landed far right, leading him to hit a provisional drive. As he approached his first ball, his movement appeared to flatten the tall fescue grass behind it.

DeChambeau declined to comment on the penalty after signing his scorecard, stating only, "I played great, actually." He then proceeded to the driving range. When asked if DeChambeau would play in the third round, his agent, Brett Falkoff, responded, "We'll see."