Major champ questions golf rule after US Open drama

A former major champion has called for a rethink of one golf rule after a controversial moment at the US Open on Sunday.

Sam Burns, the 54-hole leader at Oakmont, saw his chances of lifting the title slip away at the tricky 15th hole after making a costly mistake.

The American’s tee shot found a wet lie in the fairway, but he was denied free relief from the standing water.

Live on air, the Sky Sports commentary team agreed Burns was right to ask before he found the rough with his approach shot and carded a double bogey.

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Now, Rich Beem, a member of the Sky team, has posed a question to the USGA about the rule.

On X, the 2002 PGA Champion wrote: “Question: If a lefty had to stand where Burns golf ball was, as their ball would be in the fairway, would they have gotten relief @USGA?”

“Maybe rethink that rule?”

Of course, at the time, Burns wasn’t happy. He had a one-shot lead over Adam Scott following a substantial weather delay but soon ejected.

“That’s ridiculous,” he told his caddie after striking the ball.

A video posted by Kyle Porter on X showed the extent of the puddle from which Burns played out of, and it didn’t look good.

However, the rule indicates: “It is not enough for the ground to be merely wet, muddy or soft or for the water to be momentarily visible as the player steps on the ground; an accumulation of water must remain present either before or after the stance is taken.”

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Burns was asked after his round about the incident and was far more diplomatic.

“Called a rules official over, they disagreed,” he said. “I looked at it again. I thought maybe I should get a second opinion. That rules official also disagreed.

“At the end of the day, it’s not up to me, it’s up to the rules official. That’s kind of that.”

He is back in action this week at the Travelers Championship, the final Signature Event of the PGA Tour season.

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.