Defending U.S. Open champ Bryson DeChambeau arrived at Oakmont with a philosophy that has served him well in his career. “I’m going to be as fearless as I can possibly be out there,” he said Tuesday.

LIV Golf superstar Bryson DeChambeau struggled to control his frustration after the USGA's last-minute changes gave him no relief.

DeChambeau followed what his fellow SMU alum, the late Payne Stewart, accomplished 25 years earlier by winning the U.S. Open at Pinehurst. He is looking for his third U.S. Open title. After going even on the front nine, DeChambeau went 3-over on the back.

All three were between seven and eight shots behind the leader, and all were in danger of being cut Friday. The U.S. Open remains golf’s cruelest test.

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.

OAKMONT, Pa. — Look, say what you will about Bryson DeChambeau, the man makes professional golf more interesting just by his existence. He pinballs his way through tournaments, often ending up on top of the leaderboard but always, always giving us something to discuss. He’s the finest content creator in the game, intentionally or not.

Even for the defending U.S. Open champion, the rough at Oakmont Country Club is causing havoc early in the national championship.

Bryson DeChambeau encountered a rules controversy after a stunning video showed him placing, rather than dropping, his ball at the 125th U.S. Open.