2026 Open: Bryson DeChambeau is handed a two-shot penalty in dramatic scenes after the second round at Royal Birkdale.

Bryson DeChambeau’s bid to win The Open came to a screeching halt after being handed a two-shot penalty on a spectacular night at Royal Birkdale.

The American looked to have moved himself within seven shots of the lead with a two-round four-under 66, but was beaten by law officials when he left the course to discuss a foul.

DeChambeau was accused of stepping on long grass too close to the ball on the fifth hole.

After a lengthy discussion with Open officials, he was handed a two-shot penalty for “inadvertently improving his lie”, pushing him to five points and finishing three shots behind leader Lucas Herbert.

DeChambeau, a two-time US Open champion who has never won an Open, remains in doubt.

He declined to answer questions as he walked past the assembled media after leaving the Registrar’s Office, spending more than 20 minutes discussing the matter with R&A chief executive Mark Darbon.

All he said was: “Are you guys having a good night? I’m having a great night.”

DeChambeau then headed out to the driving range to “hit some balls” and took selfies with fans before talking to the team on the practice field.