Bryson DeChambeau receives a retrospective two-shot penalty during the second round of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, after match officials apply Rule 8.1b. Multiple outlets report the decision is linked to the fifth hole, where video review shows DeChambeau improves the area of his backswing by standing on and flattening some long grass near his position. His round is adjusted accordingly, with several reports noting his score changes from an initial mark to 68 after the penalty. DeChambeau publicly addresses the ruling, saying he thought he was right and maintaining that he believes he would have been closer to contention for the Claret Jug without the penalty. While some commentary mentions the size of the financial impact for the LIV Golf player, the details of specific earnings are not consistent across all reports. Former player Graeme McDowell also comments that DeChambeau likely did not intend to improve his lie, but acknowledges a penalty may still have been warranted. Despite the setback, reports state DeChambeau remains in contention going into the weekend.