Jon Rahm predicts Bryson DeChambeau's reaction to two-stroke Open penalty

Jon Rahm predicts Bryson DeChambeau’s next move after Open penalty

Jon Rahm has weighed in on Bryson DeChambeau’s likely reaction to a two-stroke penalty at The Open on 18 July 2026, suggesting the LIV star will use the setback as fuel.

The Spanish star made the comments amid a heated debate over DeChambeau’s penalty for slow play during his third-round 73 at Royal Troon. Rahm, who finished tied for 12th at the major, called the moment a chance for DeChambeau to refocus.

“Bryson’s always been someone who thrives under pressure,” Rahm told reporters after his round. “A two-stroke penalty can sting, but it can also sharpen your focus. If anyone’s built for that, it’s him.”

What happened at The Open?

DeChambeau received the penalty on the 14th hole of his third round after exceeding the allotted time for his group’s pace of play. Officials applied the two-stroke penalty under Rule 5.6b, pushing him from a share of the lead into a tie for 11th.

Rahm, meanwhile, carded a 69 to finish at 10-under for the championship. His tied-12th finish left him eight shots behind champion Xander Schauffele.

The penalty sparked immediate debate among players and fans. Some argued it was a harsh penalty for a minor delay, while others praised the consistency of the rules enforcement.

Why it matters for Jon Rahm

For Rahm, the moment highlights the fine margins in elite golf. His own round of 69 kept him in contention, but the penalty reshuffled the leaderboard just as he pushed for a top-10 finish.

“It’s part of the game,” Rahm said. “You play by the rules, and sometimes they bite you. But you’ve got to move on fast.”

The incident also underscores the growing tension between PGA Tour and LIV Golf players. DeChambeau, a LIV star, faces extra scrutiny in PGA Tour events like The Open, where tradition and rules enforcement carry weight.

Rahm, a two-time major winner, has navigated both tours. His take carries weight among peers who’ve seen firsthand how penalties can swing a tournament.

What comes next for Bryson DeChambeau

DeChambeau has yet to address the penalty publicly beyond acknowledging it on social media. His next start remains unclear, though speculation points to the FedEx Cup playoffs if he qualifies.

Rahm suggested DeChambeau could use the moment to tighten his focus ahead of the next event. “He’s got a big engine,” Rahm said. “This might just be the spark he needs.”

For now, the penalty lingers as a talking point. But in a sport where mental resilience decides champions, Rahm’s prediction may prove prescient.