DeChambeau's British Open charge hit by two-shot penalty

SOUTHPORT, United Kingdom — Bryson DeChambeau's charge towards the top of the British Open leaderboard was dealt a huge blow by a two-shot penalty after the conclusion of the second round.

The two-time US Open champion was penalized for unintentionally improving his lie, tournament organizers the R&A said in a statement, before his second shot at the fifth hole.

DeChambeau had climbed to second and within one shot of leader Lucas Herbert with a birdie-birdie finish for a 66.

However, the American was dumped down to a tie for fifth at five under after being handed the penalty.

"Bryson has been penalized two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing, so the intended backswing on the fifth hole when he was playing his second shot," a R&A spokesperson told reporters.

DeChambeau appeared to trample down long grass as he addressed his ball for a practice swing.

"Even when the action is accidental, as it was in Bryson's case, the area of intended swing includes the entire area that might reasonably affect any part of the backswing, the downswing or the completion of the swing for the intended stroke," added the R&A.

"Importantly what the prohibited action here is that the player mustn't move, bend or break any growing or attached natural object."

After completing his round DeChambeau travelled back to the scene of the incident at the fifth hole and was seen in animated discussions with a rules official.

Sky Sports reported that the 32-year-old had even threatened to withdraw from the tournament.

However, he was later seen going to the practice range, signalling he is likely to stay around for the weekend at Royal Birkdale.

It is the first time this year that DeChambeau has even made the cut at a major after disappointing showings at the Masters, USPGA and US Open.