# Open Championship controversy continues after Fox win > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bryson-dechambeau-major-slump > Updated: 2026-08-04T18:06:10.000Z. Sources: 128. Developments: 9. Bryson DeChambeau entered the 2026 Open Championship after a slump that saw him miss the cut at the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open. He disclosed experimenting with an AI assistant during a LIV Golf event and vowed to rebuild his game at Royal Birkdale. During practice rounds he attracted large crowds and announced a partnership with Google Health to embed swing data in a Fitbit wearable. In the first round he posted a 3‑under 67, moving into a share of the lead and countering criticism from Nick Faldo about his strategy. A two‑stroke penalty on the fifth hole for unintentionally improving his lie dropped his second‑round score from 66 to 68, moving him from second place to a tie for fifth and reigniting debate over rule enforcement. The ruling was confirmed by the R&A and cited by players such as Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm. Australian Lucas Herbert tied the major‑round record with an eight‑under 62 in round two, taking a two‑stroke lead, while Sam Burns also recorded a 62. Both scores were noted alongside criticism of limited U.S. broadcast coverage. New Zealand’s Ryan Fox captured the Claret Jug with a record‑tying 62 in round three, finishing ten under par to win by one shot – the first New Zealand Open champion since 1963. Fox’s victory sparked nationwide celebrations, including a homecoming in Auckland and a tribute to the All Blacks. The tournament’s narrative now intertwines DeChambeau’s penalty controversy, Herbert’s record‑tying performance, Burns’s participation, and Fox’s historic win. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-04: Ryan Fox wins The Open, celebrates with family and All Blacks in New Zealand Ryan Fox captured The Open with a 62‑round and 10‑under finish, then returned to New Zealand for a crowd‑filled celebration with family, the All Blacks and the Claret Jug. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryan-fox-wins-the-open-celebrates-with-family-and-all-blacks-in-new-zealand ### 2026-07-23: Ryan Fox Wins Open Championship, Returns Home as DeChambeau Penalty Sparks Debate Ryan Fox won the 2026 Open Championship, becoming New Zealand’s first victor since 1963, and returned home to celebrate. Bryson DeChambeau’s two‑stroke penalty sparked a rivalry with Rory McIlroy. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryson-dechambeau-blames-twostroke-penalty-for-missing-open-title ### 2026-07-19: Bryson DeChambeau's two‑stroke penalty fuels controversy at the 2026 Open Bryson DeChambeau received a two‑stroke penalty at the 2026 Open for trampling grass, sparking a controversy that saw Scottie Scheffler defend him, DeChambeau consider contacting President Trump, and the event‑ 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryson-dechambeau-penalized-at-the-open-defended-by-scottie-scheffler ### 2026-07-16: Lucas Herbert leads Open after record‑tying 62; DeChambeau receives penalty Lucas Herbert shoots record‑tying 62 to lead the Open; Bryson DeChambeau gets a two‑stroke penalty, dropping him to fifth as the field heads into round three. 104 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jackson-suber-tops-first-round-of-2026-open-at-royal-birkdale ### 2026-07-16: Sam Burns and Lucas Herbert each post 62 at The Open amid ESPYs criticism Sam Burns and Lucas Herbert each scored 62 at The Open, while the ESPYs faced low viewership and a U.S. men's hockey snub; Lindsey Vonn appeared on the red carpet. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-burns-and-lucas-herbert-each-post-62-at-the-open-amid-espys-criticism ### 2026-07-15: Bryson DeChambeau posts 3‑under 67 at 2026 Open, silencing critics Bryson DeChambeau shot a 3‑under 67 at the 2026 Open, moving into contention and replying to Nick Faldo’s strategy criticism after three missed major cuts. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryson-dechambeau-shoots-3under-67-at-open-counters-nick-faldo-criticism ### 2026-07-13: Bryson DeChambeau practices at Royal Birkdale and partners with Google Health for AI‑powered Fitbit Bryson DeChambeau practiced at the Open Championship’s Royal Birkdale, drawing fans, while also teaming with Google Health to launch AI‑driven fitness features on the new Fitbit Air. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryson-dechambeau-practices-at-royal-birkdale-and-partners-with-google-health-for-aipowered-fitbit ### 2026-07-13: Sam Burns confirms Open start as Bryson DeChambeau faces cut doubts Sam Burns confirms he will play the Open Championship, while Bryson DeChambeau is predicted to miss the cut after three straight major misses. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-burns-confirms-open-start-as-bryson-dechambeau-faces-cut-doubts ### 2026-06-27: Bryson DeChambeau admits slump after missing three straight major cuts in 2026 Bryson DeChambeau missed cuts at the 2026 Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open, citing swing problems and AI‑assisted practice, and looks to recover at the upcoming Open Championship. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryson-dechambeau-admits-slump-after-missing-three-straight-major-cuts-in-2026 --- Cite as: Open Championship controversy continues after Fox win. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bryson-dechambeau-major-slump