Bryson DeChambeau Penalized 2 Strokes After Heated Exchange with British Open Officials on Video

Bryson DeChambeau has been penalized two strokes at the Open Championship for "inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing" prior to his second shot on the fifth hole during his second round at the Open Championship on Friday.

R&A's Executive Director of Governance and Chief Referee of the Open, Grant Moir, explained the decision.

DeChambeau initially carded a four-under 66 to finish seven-under through two rounds, good enough for solo second and just one shot back of tournament leader Lucas Herbert.

However, after his round, rules officials discussed DeChambeau's actions with him and went back to the scene of his second shot on the fifth hole. DeChambeau was clearly animated and unhappy as Golf Channel cameras caught the discussion.

The penalty dropped him to five under and a tie for fifth with Si Woo Kim and Sam Burns.

DeChambeau is still clearly in contention for the Claret Jug, but now there's question as to whether he'll even play the weekend.

Kevin Van Valkenburg, the director of content at Fried Egg Golf, relayed remarks from DeChambeau's agent, Brett Falkoff.

Golf Channel provided a thorough discussion of the situation.

DeChambeau started the drivable 326-yard par-four by hitting his tee shot 257 yards well right and into tall grass. He then hit a provisional shot before looking for his original tee shot.

DeChambeau did find that ball and then tried to figure out the best way to play that shot. As he did so, he walked over nearby grass. The question seems to be whether those steps gave DeChambeau more room on his second shot.

It didn't seem like DeChambeau intentionally tried to step on surrounding grass to give himself a better chance. The question of whether those steps ultimately ended up doing so is up for debate.

Todd Lewis of Golf Channel talked with DeCheambeau and his camp. In essence, they don't feel any walking or trampling over grass improved his lie or gave a better path for his swing.

The R&A doesn't agree, and DeChambeau now feels he was unfairly penalized, to the point where it's not clear if he plays Saturday.

That would be a shame if he withdraws from competition, considering that he's squarely in the mix and is playing well enough to win this tournament, even with the two-stroke penalty.

DeChambeau was practicing on the range even after the decision was made, although his status for Saturday is still uncertain. Van Valkenburg provided the scenes, including DeChambeau offering snacks to media.

At any rate, the DeChambeau watch is on now as we await and see whether he tees off.