Clear cut to punish DeChambeau - R&A boss

Bryson DeChambeau faced a penalty during the second round of a golf tournament after being deemed to have trampled on long grass near his ball. The infraction caused him to fall from one shot off the lead to three shots behind Australian overnight leader Lucas Herbert.

“

The decision would "fire" him up for the weekend.

DeChambeau, a two-time U.S. Open champion, initially appeared to be in strong contention, finishing the second round at seven under par with a 66. However, the penalty on the fifth hole altered his position in the standings.

Despite the setback, DeChambeau indicated he would use the decision as motivation. "The decision would 'fire' him up for the weekend," he said. Tournament official Darbon declined to comment on whether DeChambeau had threatened to withdraw, stating only that "there was some emotion." Darbon added, "I empathize with that. Bryson has played a great round of golf, is in contention at a major championship, he wants to win the golf's original major. We were focused on the ruling and making a fair assessment."

“

It's fair to say there was some emotion around that and we will keep some of the aspects of that discussion private.

DeChambeau is scheduled to tee off at 15:30 BST, three shots behind Herbert.

“

There was some emotion but I empathise with that. Bryson has played a great round of golf, is in contention at a major championship, he wants to win the golf's original major. We were focused on the ruling and making a fair assessment.