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Hard luck, Bryson DeChambeau.

The quirky American’s use of a protractor – designed to help him ‘figure out the true pin locations’ – has been banned by the United States Golf Association.

Two-time PGA Tour winner DeChambeau was spotted using the old classroom favourite at the Travelers Championship last month. Initially, the PGA Tour ruled, after consulting with the USGA, that he could continue using it because the Rules of Golf don’t legislate for its use.

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However, this week, the USGA contacted players to announce it has reversed that decision.

Bryson De Chambeau Compass

“The USGA has ruled that the use of a protractor (also known as a drawing compass) during a stipulated round is a violation of Rule 14-3a of the Rules of Golf,” said the USGA statement. “It is considered ‘unusual equipment that might assist him in making a stroke or in his play.’”

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This is the second time in 18 months that DeChambeau has had one of his well-documented idiosyncrasies banned by the game’s ruling bodies.

In January 2017 the USGA ruled that a putter he used during his brief dalliance with the side-saddle putting  stroke was non-conforming.


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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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