Updated July 18, 2026 — 10:13am,first published July 18, 2026 — 8:07amSouthport: Controversy has erupted at the British Open, with American star Bryson DeChambeau set to continue his campaign after initially threatening to withdraw from the tournament when he was controversially docked two shots by officials on Friday.DeChambeau was hit with a two-shot penalty for “improving the area” of his intended back swing during his second round, prompting his agent to declare his client wasn’t a cheat and he wasn’t trying to gain an unfair advantage during an incident that has divided the golf world.Bryson DeChambeau speaks with officials after his round on Friday at the British Open. XAfter carding a four-under 66 on Friday, DeChambeau walked off the 18th green at Royal Birkdale in outright second on seven-under, behind Australia’s Lucas Herbert, who shot a record-equalling 62 to head to the weekend at eight-under.But after signing his card, DeChambeau was approached by rules officials over an incident on the fifth hole earlier in the day.Playing his second shot from thick rough, television footage appeared to show DeChambeau walking around the area of his ball before taking his shot, with officials believing his actions improved the area where his club would swing.Although the ball itself never moved, the rules of golf prohibit players from improving the area of an intended stance or swing, even if the action is accidental.DeChambeau and his agent Brett Falkoff (left) on a controversial evening at the British Open. Getty ImagesA frustrated DeChambeau was taken back to the fifth hole by officials, where he remonstrated with tournament staff and appeared to tell decision-makers he would not continue in the championship. His manager was also present during the dramatic exchange broadcast on live television.Shortly afterwards, amid a crush of television cameras and reporters, tournament rules official Grant Moir confirmed DeChambeau had been docked two shots. His bogey on the 5th hole would become a triple bogey seven.Grant Moir, executive director of governance at The R&A, speaks after a two-stoke penalty was given to DeChambeau. Getty ImagesThe penalty dropped DeChambeau from seven-under to five-under, leaving him tied for fifth rather than second.“Bryson has been penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of intended back swing on fifth hole,” Moir said.“Ruling one restricts what a player may do to improve any of the protected conditions affecting the stroke and this includes the area of the player’s intended swing.“So an improvement means to alter one or more of the conditions affecting the stroke so that the player gains a potential advantage for the stroke. Now, I’ll stress that this applies even when the action is accidental, as it was in Bryson’s case.”When asked by reporters as he walked away whether he would return for Saturday’s third round, DeChambeau stopped short of giving any assurance. DeChambeau’s agent Brett Falkoff also said he would decide on Saturday morning whether he would continue playing but said his 32-year-old client is angry.However, at 12.02am UK time, DeChambeau wrote on X: “Obviously disappointed with the ruling. I don’t agree with it, but it is what it is. This fires me up. Onto the weekend. Let’s get it.”Earlier, DeChambeau headed to the practice range after being informed of his penalty, where he began hitting balls as darkness fell over Royal Birkdale.“He’s a lot of things. He’s not a cheater,” Falkoff said. “He’s a big boy … but he certainly feels he was unfairly penalised.”DeChambeau is a popular player on tour but also divisive among fans, having defected to LIV Golf on a lucrative deal worth more than $100 million (USD).Herbert was supposed to be paired with DeChambeau on Saturday but the latest drama means he will instead play his third round with Jackson Suber at 3.50pm local time (12.50am AEST).DeChambeau, a two-time US Open champion, is listed to tee off at 3.30pm (12.30am). He has never won a British Open.News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.Tom Decent is the chief sports writer for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.From our partners