Bryson DeChambeau found himself in hot water during the opening round of the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, when he was assessed a two-stroke penalty for a rules violation that left fans and analysts stunned.
What Went Wrong
On the par-5 4th hole, DeChambeau’s second shot from a fairway bunker came to rest in a spectator crosswalk, an area marked as ground under repair (GUR)—allowing free relief under the rules.
But the problem came in how the relief was taken:
- His caddie picked up the ball without marking its original spot, violating Rule 14.1c.
- DeChambeau then placed the ball at the nearest point of relief instead of dropping it from knee height, which goes against Rule 14.3b.
After hitting the next shot from the incorrectly placed ball, the situation escalated. A review by USGA officials resulted in two penalty strokes:
- One for incorrectly taking relief from the GUR.
- One for playing from the wrong spot.
The Result
Instead of walking away with a potential par, DeChambeau carded a double bogey on the hole. He went on to shoot a 3-over 73, falling behind early leader J.J. Spaun by seven strokes.
Visibly frustrated, DeChambeau muttered, “That was dumb,” acknowledging his costly mistake—a rare moment of self-critique from a player known for his cerebral, detail-oriented approach to the game.
Reactions and Aftermath
- Fans online were quick to point out that the mistake was surprising from someone often referred to as “The Scientist.”
- Some questioned whether the ruling should have been caught earlier, while others applauded the USGA for enforcing the rules evenly.
Still, the damage was done. In a major where every shot matters, a mental lapse like this could prove significant by the weekend.
Bottom Line
Bryson DeChambeau’s rules misstep at Oakmont serves as a reminder that no one is above the game’s fundamentals—not even a U.S. Open champion. With three rounds still to play, he’ll need a sharp rebound to stay in the hunt.
