DeChambeau Dodges Penalty in US Open Rules Flap

Bryson DeChambeau, the defending U.S. Open champion at Oakmont, narrowly avoided a two-stroke penalty after his caddie picked up his ball from a spectator crosswalk without marking its location on the par-5 fourth hole. This forced DeChambeau to take relief from a less favorable spot, and he then mistakenly placed the ball instead of dropping it from knee height as required. A rules official intervened just in time, preventing him from incurring a penalty that could have turned his par into a double bogey and worsened his opening round score of 3-over 73. Commentators described the errors as surprising for a player of his stature, but DeChambeau managed to salvage par on the hole and remains in contention. The incident underscored the critical importance of adhering to golf’s rules during major tournaments. No penalty was ultimately assessed.