LIV Golf stars Bryson DeChambeau (USA) and Jon Rahm (Spain) faced difficulties at The Open Championship, the final major tournament of the season.

DeChambeau was assessed a two-stroke penalty on the 5th hole (par 4) during the second round of the tournament, held at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, on July 17 (local time).

On that hole, DeChambeau's tee shot drifted to the right and landed in thick rough. His second shot went over the green, and after getting his third shot onto the green, he eventually carded a bogey.

However, it was later determined that DeChambeau had stepped on and flattened the grass behind his ball during his second shot, which was ruled as an improvement of his lie, resulting in a two-stroke penalty.

The R&A, which organizes the tournament, issued a statement under the name of Chief Referee Grant Moir, stating, "Bryson DeChambeau inadvertently improved his intended area of swing on his second shot."

Chief Referee Moir explained, "An 'improvement' means altering one or more of the conditions affecting the stroke so that a player gains a potential advantage for that stroke. I would like to emphasize that the rules apply equally, even if the action, as in DeChambeau's case, was accidental."

He added, "In the intended swing area, you must not move, bend, or break any growing or attached natural objects. While a player is entitled to take a stance by taking reasonable actions, they must choose a method that minimizes damage, and they are not guaranteed a normal stance or swing."

Upon receiving the penalty, DeChambeau asked to be taken to the scene of the incident, where he engaged in a heated protest and argument with officials.

Ultimately, DeChambeau's bogey on the 5th hole was changed to a triple bogey. He finished the day with a score of 2-under par, bringing his two-day total to 5-under 135, placing him in a tie for 5th.

It was a painful outcome for DeChambeau, who would have been just one stroke behind the sole leader, Lucas Herbert (Australia, 8-under 132), had it not been for the penalty.

While it was reported that DeChambeau said, "I will not play tomorrow" while protesting on the course, he later posted on X, "Disappointed with the ruling. I don't agree with it, but it is what it is. This just fuels me more. Heading into the weekend. Let's do this," signaling that he would continue to compete in the tournament.

Rahm received a warning after throwing his iron in frustration following a poor tee shot on the 15th hole (par 3).

Starting this year, The Open has introduced a "Player Code of Conduct" to regulate aggressive behavior by players.

According to the code, if the behavior of a player or caddie significantly deviates from the standards expected in the spirit of golf, they may be subject to an official warning, penalty strokes, or disqualification.

After his round, Rahm met with local reporters and confirmed, "I received a warning." He added, "It was unexpected. I shouldn't have reacted that intensely, but I think it happened because that shot came out of nowhere."

He stated, "I am much more intense and passionate than other players, especially when I'm competing, but I don't particularly dwell on (the regulations). Trying to change who I am could actually backfire on the course," while acknowledging, "I know that situations like the one on the 15th hole shouldn't happen."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)