2026 Open Championship Round 3: DeChambeau Penalty Drama and Full Broadcast Guide

Penalty Storm Clouds Over Round 3 at Royal Birkdale

The 2026 Open Championship's third round tees off at Royal Birkdale with Lucas Herbert holding the outright lead at 8-under par. However, the biggest story heading into Saturday is not the leaderboard itself—it's the penalty drama surrounding Bryson DeChambeau.

The DeChambeau Penalty Controversy

DeChambeau carded a brilliant 66 (-4) in Round 2 to move into sole second place, just one shot back of Herbert. But after his round concluded, rules officials assessed him a two-stroke penalty for improving his lie on the 5th hole. His 66 was amended to a 68, dropping him to 5-under and three shots off the lead.

His management initially indicated he was considering withdrawal, a statement that sent shockwaves through the golf world. DeChambeau later confirmed via social media that he would compete in Round 3.

Saturday Leaderboard Snapshot

- -8: Lucas Herbert (solo lead) - -6: Cameron Young - -5: Bryson DeChambeau - -4: Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm

How to Watch (US)

USA Network covers 5–7 a.m. ET, with NBC taking over from 7 a.m.–3 p.m. ET. Peacock streams featured group coverage all day and simulcasts NBC's broadcast.

Strokeslab Take

The penalty controversy adds a psychological layer to what was already shaping up as a compelling leaderboard battle. How DeChambeau responds to adversity—and whether the officials' ruling holds up to public scrutiny—will be as watchable as the golf itself.