DeChambeau cites two-stroke penalty as factor in Open Championship finish

Bryson DeChambeau told reporters at the LIV Golf UK event that a two-stroke penalty incurred on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale prevented him from joining the leaders in the Open Championship. He said the penalty, combined with a difficult stretch on the 11th hole, cost him six strokes that would have placed him in a tie for the lead.

DeChambeau, who was in second place after the second round, was notified before signing his scorecard that officials believed he had improved his lie by standing on long grass after his drive on the fifth hole. The dispute led to a brief confrontation with officials as they examined the area.

"Yeah, I made the cut. It was a good fight. I wish I'd have given it more on Saturday and Sunday; it felt like I could have. Besides the fifth, being three over on it, and the 11th, that's six shots. That's tied for the lead right there. Two holes and I'm right there for the Claret Jug."

After the penalty, DeChambeau fell to a tie for fifth and considered withdrawing, according to his agent Brett Falkoff. He completed the tournament, shooting a one-under 69 on Saturday but a triple-bogey on the 11th in the final round, finishing at four-under overall. The result placed him in a tie for 14th, marking his fifth finish outside the top ten in seven Open appearances.