Bryson DeChambeau's bid to win The Open has taken a hit after he was given a two-shot penalty on a dramatic evening at Royal Birkdale.
The American looked to have lifted himself to one shot off the lead on seven under par with a four-under 66 in round two, but was whisked away by rules officials when he walked off the course to discuss a rules infringement.
The American was accused of trampling on long grass close to his ball on the fifth hole.
After a long discussion with Open officials, it was confirmed he had been given a two-shot penalty for "inadvertently improving his lie", pushing him back to five under par and three shots behind leader Lucas Herbert.
DeChambeau refused to answer questions when he walked past the assembled media after emerging from the recorders' office, where he spent more than 20 minutes discussing the issue with officials including R&A chief executive Mark Darbon.
All he said was: "Are you guys having a great night? I'm having a great night."
DeChambeau then added that he was off to "hit some balls" and headed off to the driving range, where he posed for a selfie with fans before talking to his team on the practice area.
Here is how a dramatic evening unfolded:
20:24 BST: DeChambeau birdies the 18th to move to seven under, one shot adrift of Australia's Herbert
Shortly after coming off the course, DeChambeau is driven off to the fifth hole by rules officials to discuss a whether he trampled down grass near his ball.
20:58 BST: DeChambeau was involved in an animated discussion with the officials, close to where the incident occurred, and looked extremely frustrated
21:15 BST: When he arrived back on the buggy near the media centre, DeChambeau was asked if he was playing in round three on Saturday. He did not answer and simply smiled.
21:35 BST: DeChambeau emerges from the cabin and his two-shot penalty is confirmed
More to follow.
More to follow.
