Bryson DeChambeau Just Had the Most Embarrassing Brain Fart in Golf History

By Lewis Barnett 12 June, 2025 7 mins read 73 Views

I've been watching golf for twenty-three years, and I honestly can't remember seeing anything this awkward.

DeChambeau – last year's US Open champ, remember – basically forgot how golf works today at Oakmont. Like, literally forgot the basic rules that every weekend hacker knows. It was painful to watch, and now half the internet wants him disqualified while the other half is defending him like he's their nephew who just wet himself at a family barbecue.

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When Spectators Become Part of Your Game Plan

Here's what happened on that brutal 621-yard fourth hole. Bryson's second shot goes sailing into a crowd of spectators who were crossing the course. Standard stuff – happens all teh time at majors. The ref steps in, grants him relief because the ball could've been messed with by the crowd. Fair enough.

DeChambeau tells his caddie to pick up the ball while he figures out his next move. Smart, right? Wrong.

Then – and this is where it gets weird – he decides he actually liked where the ball originally landed. Wants to play from there instead.

The Rules Don't Care About Your Feelings, Bryson

The referee (a woman, by the way, which makes his "ma'am" comment later even more cringeworthy) explains that nope, you picked it up, so now you've got to either move it back up the fairway or take a penalty. Those are your options. Deal with it.

DeChambeau finds what he thinks is the right spot and asks, "This is probably closest right ma'am?" Like a kid asking his mom if he can have cookies before dinner.

But here's where my jaw actually dropped.

Instead of dropping the ball like literally every golfer learns on day one, this guy PLACES it on the ground. Just sets it down like he's arranging flowers.

Even Bryson Knew He Messed Up

The moment he did it, you could see it on his face. "That was dumb," he muttered as the official had to step in again. Poor woman probably felt like she was babysitting a millionaire.

Look, I get it – pressure does weird things to people. But this is Bryson DeChambeau we're talking about, not some amateur who won a charity tournament.

Twitter Had Thoughts (Obviously)

The internet exploded faster than you'd expect. "Should be penalty strokes," one fan wrote. Another demanded "Penalty DQ now." A third chimed in with "He should be penalised others would have."

But plenty of people defended him too: "It's obvious it wasn't intentional." Fair point. Another added: "The ball was not in play. He corrected the mistake, if he hit the placed ball different story."

Sky Sports commentator Tony Johnstone summed it up perfectly: "That's a first. In 45 years as a pro I've never seen a professional take a free drop and PLACE the ball by mistake. How strange."

Forty-five years! This seasoned pro has seen everything, adn this still caught him off guard.

Should He Have Been DQ'd?

Honestly? No. The officials handled it right – they caught the mistake before he hit the ball, let him correct it, and moved on. That's how the rules work.

But man, what a way to start your title defense. DeChambeau's probably going to hear about this for years.

Sometimes golf makes even the best players look like they've never held a club before. Today was Bryson's turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve my golf swing?

Improving your golf swing is a matter of practice, good technique, and often, professional instruction. Beginner's stance, posture, and grip are all fundamentals. It's important to keep your feet shoulder-width, hold the club with a grip that is neither too tight, nor too loose, and maintain an upright posture for a fluid movement. Slow motion swings are a good way to grasp the various components, such as the path of the swing, the clubface's alignment, and your point of impact. Spend time on the practice area or driving range, as well as working with a coaching professional to get personalized feedback. Consistency, not power, is the key.

How many golf practice sessions should I do to improve?

Golf is improved by consistency and quality, not just quantity. If you are a beginner, two to three sessions a week of practice can yield noticeable results. You should devote time to the long shot, short game and putting. Quality practice means having a clear aim for each practice session, such as working on swing technique, shot accuracy, or distance control. To ensure that your practice sessions are effective and do not reinforce bad technique, you should incorporate professional instruction. Don't just aim for the most balls possible. Make each shot count.

There is a difference in golf equipment for men and women?

Yes, there are differences between men's and women's golf equipment, mainly due to variations in physicality and swing speeds. Women's clubs are typically lighter, with more flexible shafts to accommodate a generally softer swing speed compared to men. Women's clubs are usually designed to have a greater launch angle. This helps them to hit the ball higher. In addition, grips may be smaller in order to accommodate smaller hands. Aesthetic design is also different. The right equipment for any golfer is determined more by personal preference, individual ability and physical attributes than by gender.

What are the best methods to maintain and take care of my golf clubs?

The right care will extend the life of your clubs and make sure they perform as designed. Clean club heads and grooves after every round using a soft-bristled brush and soapy water to keep them free of dirt and grass, which can affect shot accuracy. Check grips and shafts for wear. If they are worn, you may need to replace them every year. Store your clubs in an area that is cool and dry, since extreme temperatures or moisture can cause them to be damaged. To protect your woods and putsters from dings or scratches, use headcovers.

What type of ball should a golfer use as a starter?

A beginner should opt for a golf ball that promotes durability and provides a good mix of distance and control. For beginners, it is often recommended that they use golf balls with a two-piece construction. Their hard outer layer, combined with a solid core, makes them cheaper, more durable and capable of travelling further distances. These balls tend to be less spinny, which allows for better control. As a golfer's skills progress, using different types of balls can help improve shot-making and refine preferences.

How can I determine my handicap in golf?

A golf handicap measures a player's potential abilities and allows them to compete fairly. For a golf handicap, you must submit scores from at least a few rounds (the number will vary depending on the country's golf association). You can do this by submitting your scores to your club's handicap service or handicap committee. The scores are then adjusted to reflect the difficulty of the golf course and the tee you played from, by using a calculation method that takes the average of the best differential scores. The national golf association or your golf club can give you detailed guidelines on handicap calculation.

What are some of the basics rules for golf?

The R&A and United States Golf Association have standardized a set of comprehensive rules for the game of golf. The core of golf is to hit a ball through the hole with a stroke. The key principles are to play the ball where it is, to play the course exactly as it is, and to complete the hole with the least number of strokes. There are penalties for breaking rules such as losing a golf ball, hitting the wrong shot, or playing from the opposite side of the hole. While not part of the official rules of golf, golf etiquette is an important aspect of the game. It addresses issues such as safety, respect for other players on the course and maintaining the course.

Statistics

Junior golf programs have seen an increase in participation by approximately 20% over the past decade, indicating growing interest among younger players.
Golfers who take lessons improve their game twice as fast as those who choose to learn through trial and error.
The average golfer spends about $500 on initial equipment when committing to learn the game.
Golfers who use a golf-specific fitness program can increase their drive distance by an average of 15 yards, benefitting their overall game.
Nearly half of all beginners cite social interaction as a primary reason for continuing to play golf after their initial introduction to the sport.
Approximately 2.2 million people took up the game of golf in 2020, reflecting a significant increase in interest among beginners.
Roughly 60% of golfers who maintain a handicap index see an improvement in their scores year over year.

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How To

How To Develop a Consistent Golf Swing

Consistency in golf swings leads to more reliable and predictible shots. Start with a stable stance. Place your feet shoulder-width apart to ensure stability. Grab the club firmly and not too tightly. Also, ensure that your posture is correct with a straight-back and a slight bend of the knees. Focus on a smooth, controlled backswing. Keep your lead arm straight, and initiate the downswing by using your hips. The final step, the follow-through, is just as important. It completes the motion while affecting the ball's direction. It is important to practice consistently with these fundamentals in mind, and to seek feedback from an instructor who is qualified to correct any persistent mistakes.