Bryson DeChambeau was controversially handed a two-shot penalty at The Open 2026 after a brilliant round of 66, altering the leaderboard dramatically and sparking debate among golf fans. The two-time major champion was penalized for improving his stance in the rough on the fifth hole, a ruling that dropped him from second place to a share of fifth. Lucas Herbert now leads the championship after day two, setting up an exciting weekend at Royal Portrush.
DeChambeau's Penalty: What Happened?
The incident occurred on the driveable par-four fifth hole. DeChambeau, attempting to escape thick rough, was adjudged by R&A officials to have inadvertently improved the area of his intended swing. Grant Moir, the R&A’s executive director of governance, explained: “Bryson has been penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing, his backswing, when he was playing his second shot.” Despite the unintentional nature, the rules were applied strictly, changing DeChambeau’s score from a 66 to a 68.
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Impact on the Leaderboard
Before the penalty, DeChambeau had surged into second place with a birdie-birdie finish, setting up a final group appearance for Saturday. After the adjustment, he dropped to a share of fifth place at seven under par. Lucas Herbert now holds the solo lead, with several players within striking distance. The table below shows the top five after day two:
| Position | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lucas Herbert | -9 |
| 2 | Rory McIlroy | -8 |
| 3 | Jon Rahm | -7 |
| 4 | Xander Schauffele | -7 |
| 5 | Bryson DeChambeau | -7 |
Other Key Moments from Day Two
Jon Rahm escaped with only a warning after throwing his club in frustration on the 15th hole, carding a 67 to sit four shots off the lead. The Spaniard’s outburst was a rare lapse in composure, but he remains in contention. Meanwhile, DeChambeau refused to speak to media, heading straight to the practice range with a terse “I’m going to hit some balls.”
Key Takeaways from The Open 2026 Day Two
- DeChambeau’s penalty reshuffled the leaderboard and ignited rules debates.
- Lucas Herbert leads by one shot, aiming for his first major title.
- Jon Rahm stays in the hunt despite a club-throwing incident.
- The weekend promises drama with multiple stars within four shots of the lead.
FAQ
Why was Bryson DeChambeau penalized at The Open 2026?
DeChambeau was penalized two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing while playing a shot from the rough on the fifth hole. The R&A confirmed the action was unintentional but still a rules violation.
Who leads The Open 2026 after day two?
Lucas Herbert leads the championship at nine under par, one stroke ahead of Rory McIlroy. DeChambeau and others are tied at seven under.
Did Jon Rahm face any punishment for throwing his club?
Jon Rahm received only a warning for his club-throwing incident on the 15th hole. He carded a 67 and remains four shots off the lead.
The Open 2026 continues to deliver drama, with the leaderboard packed with talent. Stay tuned for weekend coverage as players battle for the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush.
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