US Open Controversy: Bryson DeChambeau’s Title Hopes Under Threat Amid Putter Investigation

US Open Controversy: Bryson DeChambeau’s Title Hopes Under Threat Amid Putter Investigation

**Pinehurst No. 2, North Carolina** – As the US Open heads into its final round, Bryson DeChambeau finds himself leading the field with a three-shot advantage. However, his pursuit of a second US Open title is now overshadowed by controversy and calls for an investigation into the legality of his putter.

DeChambeau’s performance at Pinehurst No. 2 has been nothing short of stellar. The 30-year-old American started strong with a -3 in the opening round, followed by a -1 in Round 2, and a commanding -3 in Round 3. This remarkable form has positioned him three strokes ahead of his closest competitors: Patrick Cantlay, Rory McIlroy, and Matthieu Pavon.

The controversy began when veteran caddie Kip Henley took to social media to question the legality of DeChambeau’s putter. Henley’s concerns center around the angle of the putter’s shaft, which, according to the rules, must lean away from the head by at least 10 degrees. Henley suggested that DeChambeau’s putter appeared too vertical, potentially violating this rule.

“If I’m a player around the lead in the US Open, I would ask the USGA to check the specs on this putter,” Henley wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “The shaft has to lean away from the head at least 10 degrees. It sure looks vertical. Not being a d*** or hate him at all, but it is a rule.”

Henley further elaborated, noting that the issue is not about forward or backward lean, but the vertical alignment of the shaft. He speculated that the heel of the putter might be slightly raised, giving the appearance of an upright stance.

While Henley acknowledged that tournament organizers likely approved DeChambeau’s equipment, he maintained his stance: “If I don’t tweet it then what else can we talk about? It’s all in fun. I hope the dude and his caddie grab the trophy tomorrow. It’s just all in fun.”

Despite the light-hearted tone, the implications of Henley’s comments are serious. Should the USGA decide to investigate and find DeChambeau’s putter non-compliant, it could lead to penalties that might derail his title bid.

Bryson DeChambeau is no stranger to the US Open spotlight. He clinched his first title in 2020 at Winged Foot with a score of six-under-par 274, finishing six shots ahead of second-place Matthew Wolff. DeChambeau’s comeback from two shots behind after 54 holes was a testament to his resilience and skill.

Following his impressive third round at Pinehurst, DeChambeau expressed his gratitude to the fans: “It was amazing – I can’t thank them enough. It was a blessing. Man, they riled me up. It just gives me a spike in my adrenaline and allows me to focus more on delivering for the fans, for myself, and for my family. It just inspires me.

As the final round looms, the golf world is watching closely. Will the USGA heed Henley’s call and scrutinize DeChambeau’s putter? And if so, what impact will it have on his game? The tension is palpable as DeChambeau, Cantlay, McIlroy, and Pavon prepare for what promises to be an intense battle for the prestigious title.

Stay tuned as this story develops, with the potential for dramatic twists and turns that could define this year’s US Open.