Bryson DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty during the second round of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale after officials determined he had trampled on long grass next to his ball on the fifth hole. R&A chief executive Mark Darbon characterised the decision as clear-cut under golf's rulebook, whilst noting he had received no contact from President Donald Trump regarding the ruling despite Trump's recent attempt to influence another international sporting body.

DeChambeau disputed the penalty through social media posts and doctored photos, stating it would motivate him for the weekend. His public disagreement departed from traditional golf etiquette, contrasting with Ireland's Shane Lowry's dignified acceptance of a similar penalty at the previous year's Open. The approach drew criticism from established figures including three-time Open champion Nick Faldo, who suggested DeChambeau was seeking attention rather than accepting the rules that govern professional golf.