This wasn’t the start defending U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau likely envisioned.
The two-time major winner almost committed a massive rules gaffe Thursday as the 2025 U.S. Open got underway at Oakmont Country Club, when his shot out of the bunker on the par-5 fourth hole landed on a crosswalk and he opted to take free relief.
The drama unfolded as DeChambeau placed the ball on the ground at the nearest point of relief instead of taking the drop — with a rules official signaling the mistake.
Upon learning he would be assessed a one-stroke penalty, the LIV Golf star made the proper drop to avoid a violation.
“That was dumb,” DeChambeau muttered as he continued to play and ultimately parred the hole.
DeChambeau, looking to capture his second straight U.S. Open title, finished the opening round with two birdies and five bogeys for a score of 3-over 73.
He will tee off in Friday’s second round at 1:14 p.m. ET with Xander Schauffele and newly signed LIV golfer Jose Luis Ballester.
DeChambeau, 31, was one of several of the sport’s biggest stars who struggled at the Pittsburgh-area course Thursday.
Rory McIlroy, just two months removed from completing golf’s grand slam with his Masters win in April, shot a 4-over 74 and skipped out on the media afterward.
The Northern Irishman’s close pal, Shane Lowry, had a round to forget after shooting a 9-over 79 that included a microphone-tossing meltdown.
J.J. Spaun finished Thursday atop the leaderboard with a bogey-free 4-under 66.
DeChambeau has been in the hunt the past two majors this season, tying for fifth at the Masters and tying for second at last month’s PGA Championship, where Scottie Scheffler won his third career major.