Bryson DeChambeau is fired up following two-stroke penalty

Bryson DeChambeau reacts after putting for a par on the 13th green during the first round of The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bryson DeChambeau is fired up following two-stroke penalty

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Jul 17, 2026 7:51 PM ET

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There was some question as to whether or not Bryson DeChambeau would play the weekend at the Open Championship even though he made the cut and advanced through the first two rounds. He was livid following a two-stroke penalty on the fifth hole after it was determined he inadvertently improved his position before taking his second shot.

But a few hours after the decision, DeChambeau made it clear he is playing the weekend, and he seems determined to make a run.

Bryson DeChambeau on two-stroke penalty: 'It fires me up'

DeChambeau posted on social media site X, formerly Twitter, that he disagrees with the penalty and is disappointed in the decision, but that it fires him up for the weekend.

He enters Saturday's third-round tied for fifth place at five-under.

Prior to the penalty he would have been in sole possession of second place at seven-under.

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.
— Bryson DeChambeau (@brysondech) July 17, 2026

DeChambeau was noticeably livid during the discussion with course officials regarding the penalty, and at one point seemed to tell them he was not going to play on Saturday.

But following Friday's action he was at the practice range hitting tee shots until well after 10:30 p.m. local time.

"It is really hard to stomach the silliness that we've seen here from Bryson." (1:22)@chambleebrandel chimes in on Bryson DeChambeau not accepting the officials' interpretation for the 2-shot penalty right away pic.twitter.com/E6ut1JrT2c
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) July 17, 2026

DeChambeau getting through to the third round is notable, mostly due to the fact he had missed the cut in each of his past three majors, four of his past five, and five of his past eight. Given that recent stretch of struggles, and given that he was still practicing that late into the night, it seemed unreasonable to actually believe he was not going to continue.

Now he seems extra determined. We will see if that translates into success. It is a big story now. Imagine what it will be if he ends up losing by just one or two strokes.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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