Bryson DeChambeau left a Sky Sports commentator stunned with an unthinkable US Open rule breach which went unpunished.
DeChambeau, a close friend of US president Donald Trump, has won the tournament twice - including last year's event in Pinehurst, North Carolina when he snatched the win from Rory McIlroy.
This time around, however, he was involved in a bizarre moment at the Oakmont Country Club course and one that many feel should have resulted in a disqualification.
When on the fourth hole, which was some 621 yards and is par five, DeChambeau's second shot ended up in the middle of fans crossing.
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Because the ball could have been interfered with, tournament rules granted the LIV Golf star relief from the walkway area and meant he was permitted to drop the ball within an area of the fairway.
But then came the almighty mix-up with the rules. DeChambeau's caddie picked up the ball but didn't use a marker, then the 31-year-old decided he fancied playing from the original spot the ball landing.
However, because his caddie had already picked up the ball, DeChambeau had to move the ball back up the fairway - further back behind the crossing - or else a penalty would be imposed.
How Bryson DeChambeau reacted to shock mistake
He said to the referee, "This is probably closest right ma'am?" when he picked a spot but made the costly mistake of placing it rather than dropping it as previously instructed.
DeChambeau was well aware of his error and could be heard muttering "that was dumb". Tony Johnstone, a commentator for Sky Sports was left stunned and said, "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.”
The official was lenient with the world No.10 and let him off the hook - having been granted a second opportunity to drop the ball despite many disagreeing with the stance.
One fan on X wrote: "Should be penalty strokes."
A second stated: "He should be penalised others would have."
A third joked: "Must be a LIV rule."
A final person commented: "The fact that he got relief, in the middle of the fairway, because people walk across the fairway in that area shows how ridiculous the relief rules are on the PGA."
DeChambeau finished three-over-par 73 on day one and is tied 49th after the first round.
“Pretty disappointed with how I played," he reflected on his opening round.
"It's not too far off. Just got to get the putting a little bit more dialed, and I'll be right there because three-over could have easily been two-under today.”
DeChambeau will tee off in the afternoon on Friday, alongside Xander Schauffele and Jose Luis Ballester.
Topics: Golf
Josh Lawless