Bryson DeChambeau is reportedly considering taking action after being handed a controversial two-stroke penalty during the second round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

The two-time U.S. Open champion was penalized after R&A officials ruled that he had inadvertently improved the area of his intended backswing while playing his second shot on the par-four fifth hole. The ruling changed his bogey into a triple-bogey seven, dropping him from one shot off the lead to tied-fifth heading into the weekend.

Following the decision, DeChambeau was involved in a lengthy discussion with tournament officials before leaving the scorer’s area visibly frustrated.

According to reports, the American was so upset by the ruling that he even considered withdrawing from the tournament before the third round.

Speaking after the incident, DeChambeau refused to discuss whether he would continue in the championship.

“Are you guys having a great night? I’m having a great night,” he said sarcastically before adding, “I’m off to hit some balls,” as he walked toward the driving range.

His agent later defended the golfer, insisting the penalty was unfair.

“He’s a lot of things. He’s not a cheater,” the agent said.

They added that DeChambeau was genuinely upset by the ruling and would carefully consider his next steps.

“He’s a big boy. He’ll see how he feels, but he certainly feels he was unfairly penalized.”

The R&A stood by its decision, with referee Grant Moir explaining that the Rules of Golf prohibit a player from improving the conditions affecting a stroke—even if the action is accidental.

The penalty leaves DeChambeau three shots behind the tournament leader entering the weekend, significantly damaging his hopes of winning a third major championship.

While DeChambeau has not publicly confirmed whether he intends to challenge the ruling formally, his frustration has fueled speculation that he could seek further clarification from golf’s governing bodies after the championship.

For now, all eyes remain on whether the former U.S. Open champion can put the controversy behind him and mount a charge over the final two rounds at Royal Birkdale.