Angry golf fans are less than impressed with what they saw Bryson DeChambeau do on day one of the US Open.
The big-hitting American enjoyed an excellent first round at Pinehurst No.2 and sits just two shots back of leaders Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay.
DeChambeau continued his impressive recent form, carding four birdies on his way to a three-under-par 67 to kickstart his pursuit of a second US Open title.
A chip-in on the 18th was the highlight for the LIV Golf star, who will now be looking to take advantage of favourable conditions on Friday morning.
But, the 30-year-old’s round wasn’t without controversy.
Golf fans angry at what Bryson DeChambeau did on day one of the US Open
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On the par-five fifth hole – DeChambeau’s 14th – the American flared his drive right into the native area.
Initially, his path to the green was impeded by a tree and a six-inch wide TV tower. Due to the tower impeding his line, the American was able to take a free drop and subsequently hit the green from 244 yards out, leading to a birdie.
And it’s fair to say the golfing world was less than impressed with DeChambeau massively improving his position after a wayward tee shot.
“This rule should be altered so that they have to play the shot and only get relief if the shot actually hits the impediment,” said one fan.
A fellow X account wrote: “That’s ridiculous. Hit a shot. If it hits the tower, drop another and try again. No penalty.”
Another user added, “You need to look into this ruling. Absolute joke. Whoever the rules official was there needs to be let go as well.”
“Getting tired of all the shotlink tower drops these guys are getting,” another said.
Play it as it lies was a demand from one fan: “Missed this one. Disgraceful. You hit it there. It’s your mess. You clean it up.”
Finally, there was also a suggestion to make such objects designated hazards. “Time to make these designated hazards (like the wall on the road hole at St. Andrews), no free drop,” said a fan. “It’s not as if they are in the middle of the fairway like a sand-filled divot that you get no relief from.”
USGA must consider a rule change
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DeChambeau’s free drop follows incidents that have occurred with Brian Harman and Xander Schauffele in recent months.
Professionals are utilising the rule to their advantage, something that wouldn’t occur in the amateur game.
Paul McGinley spoke about the issue on Thursday. “It’s funny. Whenever someone is getting a free drop they never have to drop in a worse place,” he said. “They always seem to get the angle. It’s a huge break, as it was for DeChambeau.”
McGinley is right; whenever a drop is made regarding an immovable hazard, players always benefit.
DeChambeau, Scheffler, Harman, and Schauffele can’t be blamed for taking advantage of the rules. If there is a chance to improve a score, they’re obviously going to take it.
It’s up to the USGA to make an active change to the current regulations to prevent the world’s best players from escaping with pars and birdies after playing shots that should’ve been rightfully punished.
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