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.

Bryson DeChambeau gave the first official confirmation of his deal length, verifying Tuesday that his LIV contract runs through the 2026 season. Speaking before the U.S. Open as he attempts to defend his win last year, DeChambeau seemed to brush off indications he’s rushing to return to the PGA Tour.

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

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

The list of golf's all-time rules blunders is well-known to golf fans—and it almost got longer on Thursday at Oakmont. If you weren't paying close attention, you probably missed what exactly happened to Bryson DeChambeau on the fourth hole at Oakmont during his opening round.

SportsLine golf expert Eric Cohen just locked in his PGA Tour best bets for the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club

McIlroy’s, meanwhile, came on the par-5 fourth, where he hit his tee shot into waist-high fescue. After a lengthy search for his ball and an animated discussion with caddie Harry Diamond, McIlroy advanced his ball 64 feet. His third shot went 31 feet. His fourth, 98 yards. He eventually found the green but had 30 feet for bogey — which he made.