Did Bryson DeChambeau Get Caught Cheating at 2025 U.S. Open?

Newsweek

21 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Bryson DeChambeau entered the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club looking to defend his title. He captured his second U.S. Open title last year at Pinehurst No. 2, edging out Rory McIlroy in dramatic fashion.
Much has been made of Oakmont's difficulty all week, with several PGA Tour pro's saying they would happily take even par for the tournament.
Thus far, DeChambeau has found out just how difficult the Pennsylvania course is playing. The two-time U.S. Open champion posted a 3-over 73 on Thursday.
But his struggles are not what everyone is talking about. Instead, it is what happened on the 621-yard par-5 4th hole.
The LIV Golfer's tee shot found the right bunker, which in Oakmont, is probably better than the thick rough. His second landed in the fairway, however, that is where the craziness began.
🚨 'That was dumb'
Bryson's interaction with the rules official on the 4th hole pic.twitter.com/rNcIKLoC0d — Joe I (@TourPicks) June 12, 2025
DeChambeau was granted relief as his ball came to rest where patrons walk across the fairway. He marked and picked up his ball from the fairway and engaged with the rules official, asking if he can play it from where he marked it. However, he was it informed that to avoid a penalty, he must move it back and take a free drop.
DeChambeau proceeded to walk back to where he believed he must play the ball from. But instead of dropping it, he firmly placed the ball onto the ground as he said "that was dumb."
OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 12: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States reacts with Jose Luis Ballester of Spain on the 12th hole during the first round of the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club...
OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 12: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States reacts with Jose Luis Ballester of Spain on the 12th hole during the first round of the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 12, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Photo by) MoreThe rules official immediately came over and reminded him that he must drop it. After dropping the ball, the 31-year-old pro hit his approach onto the green and two-putted for par.
In all likelihood, it was an innocent mistake. His body language certainly made it appear to be the case. Nevertheless, it was very strange incident and not a situation golf fans are accustomed to seeing.
"Not used to playing on a tour with rules," a fan on X posted. "Forgot he wasn't filming an episode of Break 50," wrote another.
DeChambeau rebounded quickly, picking up birdies on No. 5 and No. 7, but dropped four shots after that to sit at 3-over. That is seven shots back of the surprising leader, JJ Spaun, who posted a bogey-free 4-under.
More Golf: Red Hot Paige Spiranac Gives U.S. Open Dark Horses, Breaks Down Oakmont