Bryson DeChambeau confirms Open Championship decision after penalty drama

Bryson DeChambeau has confirmed he will continue his challenge at The Open after shutting down speculation that he could withdraw following Friday's controversial two-shot penalty.

Questions over DeChambeau's participation emerged after his agent Brett Falkoff suggested a final decision would be made on Saturday morning in the aftermath of the R&A's ruling at Royal Birkdale.

Instead, the LIV Golf star wasted little time ending the rumours before he went to bed on Friday night. 

"Obviously disappointed with the ruling. I don't agree with it, but it is what it is. This fires me up. Onto the weekend. Let's get it," DeChambeau posted on X.

He also doubled down on Instagram, sharing two edited images of himself hovering above Royal Birkdale and in conversation with R&A officials, alongside the caption: "Onto the weekend."

The posts confirmed DeChambeau will tee it up as scheduled on Saturday despite admitting he disagrees with the decision that cost him two shots.

The controversy centred on the par-4 5th hole during his second round, where DeChambeau's tee shot finished in thick fescue well right of the fairway.

Television footage showed him repeatedly stepping through the rough behind his ball before playing his second shot, with officials ruling he had inadvertently improved the area of his intended swing.

While DeChambeau's agent admitted he felt "unfairly penalized", Golf Channel analysts Brandel Chamblee and Paul McGinley were both in agreement with the decision of a two-shot penalty for his actions. 

After carding a round that briefly lifted him into solo second place at 7-under par, DeChambeau was called back by the R&A for a review that lasted more than an hour.

The eventual two-shot penalty dropped him back to 5-under par in a tie for fifth. 

R&A executive director of governance Grant Moir said the ruling fell under Rule 8.1, stressing that intent is not a factor.

"An improvement means to alter one or more of the conditions affecting the stroke so that the player gains a potential advantage for the stroke," Moir explained.

"I'll stress that this applies even when the action is accidental, as it was in Bryson's case."

While DeChambeau clearly disagrees with the ruling, his latest message leaves no doubt about his mindset heading into moving day.

Rather than walking away, the two-time U.S. Open champion has chosen to channel his frustration into his pursuit of the Claret Jug.

DeChambeau will tee off alongside fellow American and U.S. Ryder Cup teammate Sam Burns at 3:30pm local time on Saturday.

Both players begin the third round at 5-under par, three shots behind 36-hole leader Lucas Herbert.