SOUTHPORT, England — Bryson DeChambeau was issued a two-stroke penalty at The Open Championship for illegally improving the conditions affecting his stroke, dramatically hurting his chances of winning at Royal Birkdale.On the fifth hole on Friday, DeChambeau hit his tee shot far right, past the red stake penalty area and into tall grass that was more than waist-high. He elected to play the ball as it lay and not take a penalty, and moved through the grass behind his ball before eventually taking a shot. DeChambeau bogeyed the hole, but rallied from there and believed he had shot a 66 and was at 7 under par for the tournament, one behind leader Lucas Herbert.But almost immediately after, and before signing his scorecard, R&A officials met with DeChambeau and his caddie, Greg Bodine. Then began a surreal scene as the group all rode in carts back to the fifth hole and stood in the same spot, debating the potential penalty.DeChambeau became increasingly animated as the conversation continued, repeatedly re-enacting his swing. He then handed his club to Bodine and stood with both hands clasped behind his back, clearly agitated.The group departed after about 15 minutes and returned to the scoring area. The group all went into the office, which is a closed area.Bryson DeChambeau walking to scoringGabby HerzigRule 8.1 under the R&A’s official Rules of Golf “restricts what a player may do to improve any of these protected ‘conditions affecting the stroke.'” They include: