Bryson DeChambeau faces Open penalty after alleged rules infringement

Bryson DeChambeau was escorted back onto the Royal Birkdale course following his second round at The Open to investigate a potential rules violation regarding an improved stance.

The two-time US Open champion had just signed for a brilliant 66 to reach seven under par.

That impressive score temporarily catapulted the American into second place and a prospective spot in Saturday’s final group.

Stance improvement allegations

Moments after completing a spectacular birdie-birdie finish, officials informed the 32-year-old of a suspected infringement on the driveable par-four fifth hole.

The allegation suggests the major winner trampled down high grass after carving his drive into deep rough, illegally improving his angle to the green.

Officials transported the visibly furious golfer back to the site of the incident while later starters remained on the course.

Club in hand, he spent several minutes animatedly demonstrating his shot execution to R&A representatives.

Penalty threatens leaderboard position

Following the on-course recreation, the powerhouse driver was taken back to the recorders’ office for further intense discussions.

A two-stroke penalty would adjust his score on the fifth hole from a bogey to a triple-bogey.

Such a sanction would alter his second-round card to a 68, dropping him down into a tie for fifth place at five under par.

Historic scoring at Royal Birkdale

Away from the controversy, Lucas Herbert stormed into the tournament lead at eight under par.

The Australian equalled the lowest round in major championship history by firing a phenomenal 62.

Incredibly, American Sam Burns matched that record-breaking feat just 20 minutes later to reach five under for the championship.

First-round leader Jackson Suber, alongside Cameron Young and Ryan Gerard, currently sit one stroke ahead of Burns at six under par.