Bryson DeChambeau has made a “controversial” statement about two rules he would like to see changed going forward.
The 2024 US Open champion is currently competing at LIV Golf UK and carded an uncharacteristic two-over 73 on day one at JCB. Before the event, DeChambeau claimed the unique Uttoxeter course would be a challenge, and his words certainly rang true.
LIV star DeChambeau has never been shy of making a controversial statement, and now the American has shared two alterations to the rule book he’d like to see.
Bryson DeChambeau makes ‘controversial’ divot claim
The two-time major champion’s social media presence continues to rise after his remarkable YouTube video with Donald Trump.
And now, speaking in an Instagram clip with Scottsdale Golf, DeChambeau initially claimed he would like to see yellow stakes abolished.
“I want to change two of them,” he explained. I wouldn’t want yellow stakes anywhere; slow play down and everything.”
DeChambeau went on to suggest shots that land in divots on the fairway should be allowed a free drop.
Two, when you hit it at a fairway divot, and it’s a substantial divot, being able to take a nice little drop would be great,” he added. “I get it’s controversial.”
Divot debate continues to rumble on
DeChambeau does have a point. If a shot splits the fairway in two, it should be rewarded with a good lie. In most cases, simply placing the ball one inch to the side of the divot would solve the problem.
However, issues will start to emerge when players subjectively decide what is a divot and what isn’t.
Some would start to use the rule to their advantage, regardless of whether the ball is in a divot or not.
It’s an issue that needs to be rectified, but the USGA must handle the matter very delicately and deliver the most sensible outcome if a change to the rule ensues.
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