Bryson DeChambeau saved in ‘bizarre’ US Open rules incident

Nothing is ever easy with Bryson DeChambeau, and he’s proved that early doors at the US Open.

The LIV man was only four holes into the opening round of his title defence, when he became embroiled in a strange rules incident.

DeChambeau’s second shot on the 621-yard brute landed on a spectator crossway, from which players are entitled to relief.

But that’s when things took a messy turn at Oakmont.

The American’s caddie, Greg Bodine, picked up his ball, while DeChambeau was assessing the left- portion of the fairway for a potential drop.

Instead, he decided to play it from the original spot, despite Bodine not initially marking the ball.

To escape without a penalty, DeChambeau was told by a rules official that he would, indeed, now need to take full relief.

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“That was dumb,” he said before there was a further twist in the tale.

For a second time, DeChambeau was saved by the same official, as he placed his ball on the ground.

Thankfully, he was told to drop it. “Oh gosh, yeah,” he exclaimed. Of course, those watching the action unfold on TV were caught off guard by the bizarre scenes.

Six-time European Tour winner Tony Johnstone wrote on X: “That’s a first. In 45 years as a pro, I’ve never seen a professional take a free drop and PLACE the ball by mistake. How strange.”

That’s a first! In 45 years as a pro I’ve never seen a professional take a free drop and PLACE the ball by mistake. How strange. pic.twitter.com/BANmFSKNm4

— Tony Johnstone (@TonyJohnstone56) June 12, 2025

Meanwhile, Sky Sports’ Andrew Coltart could barely believe his eyes, either. “I’m also just astounded he placed it,” the Scot said. “It’s just not natural.”

Lead coverage host Nick Dougherty then chimed in: “Whichever way you look at it, a fairly stupid mistake for a very intelligent man.”

After everyone, including DeChambeau, calmed down, there was no harm done. The two-time winner found the centre of the green with his second shot before taking two putts for a par five.

Immediately after, he birdied the fourth and seventh holes to move into the red.

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Ahead of the opening round, DeChambeau outlined a straightforward winning recipe with birdies set to be at a premium.

“Yeah, I think everybody knows this is probably the toughest golf course in the world right now, and you have to hit the fairways, you have to hit greens, and you have to two-putt, worst-case scenario,” he said.

“When you’ve got those putts inside ten feet, you’ve got to make them.

“It’s a great test of golf. I’m looking forward to it. I’m sure everybody else is. I think the person that wins this week is going to hit a lot of fairways and make a lot of putts.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.