Bryson DeChambeau’s second US Open win back in 2024 was memorable for a number of reasons.
DeChambeau’s epic battle to win out over Rory McIlroy was one of the highlights of the sporting year, never mind just in golf, and his celebrations at the end will live long in the memory.
The popular American’s shot from the bunker on 18 and then the clutch putt he made were brilliant and while it was pain for a distraught McIlroy, DeChambeau’s win was more than deserved.
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However, it’s easy to forget what came prior to those dramatic moments on 18.
In fact, it’s worth noting that had DeChambeau not been thinking on his feet and used a key ruling to his advantage early on in the tournament.
Bryson DeChambeau’s quick thinking helps him win the US Open
There is always something weird and wonderful going on at a major golf tournament and over the four days, we normally see a ruling or two have a big impact on proceedings.
Few, though, had quite the impact that DeChambeau’s ruling on the 5th in round one back in 2024.
Finding himself out of position on the par five 5th – his 14th hole of the day – DeChambeau spotted a small and narrow shot-link pole in view ahead of his projected target.
Indeed, while DeChambeau’s chances of striking said pole were near zero, he was quick with his thinking as he questioned if it meant he got relief.
After calling a rules official over, DeChambeau was indeed allowed to move his golf ball. To the tune of 30 yards. And much nearer the hole.
That move allowed DeChambeau to fire a 250 yarder into the green, walk off with a two-putt birdie and end day one just one shy of the early leader, Ludvig Aberg.
On this occasion, it’s safe to say that DeChambeau’s knowledge of the rules paid dividends.
What Bryson DeChambeau said about his controversial ruling at the US Open
Of course, it’s vital that the officials on course know the rules and that’s why DeChambeau called them over.
However, it’s also important for golfers themselves to have an awareness and that’s what DeChambeau did here.
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Rory McIlroy
Speaking after the round, he admitted he knew the rules and was certain he could get relief.
“I looked at it, like, whoa, that cable is right in line with the flagstick where it was coming down, and I know it’s an immovable obstruction, I believe,” DeChambeau said. “So I asked the rules official. I said, ‘Is this relief?’
“And he goes, ‘Yeah, you’re within one club-length of it in the line-of-sight. So, yes, you get relief, and you can go to the opposite side. So I used the rules to my advantage there.”
“I used the rules to my advantage to where I had a cleaner, better lie and was able to get it up on the green. Sometimes you’re lucky, and sometimes you’re not. In that situation, I was very lucky.”
In the end, this proved pivotal for DeChambeau and had he not been so sharp, he might well have found himself in a playoff with McIlroy and we’d be writing about a completely different scenario.
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