Top caddie claims Bryson DeChambeau may have broken rules in US Open win

Veteran PGA Tour caddie Kip Henley has urged Bryson DeChambeau's competitors to check with the USGA over a possible rule breach during his US Open victory.

DeChambeau, aged 30, was leading by three shots against Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay and Matthieu Pavon before the final round at Pinehurst. However, Henley, with his experienced eye, noticed that DeChambeau's putter shaft seemed too vertical and did not tilt away from the head as it should.

At 64, Henley has seen his fair share of PGA Tour players inadvertently use clubs that don't conform to regulations. He also mentioned that the USGA would require a search warrant to inspect DeChambeau's putter specifications.

Henley, who last year caddied for the now-deceased Grayson Murray until their split at season's end, spotted a potential rule infraction while watching NBC's broadcast in the US.

Taking to X, previously known as Twitter, Henley posted with an attached image of his television screen: "If I'm a player around the lead in the US Open, I would ask the USGA to check the specs on this putter," adding, "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.", reports the Mirror.

This post followed another he made just minutes earlier, highlighting the lack of spectators as DeChambeau finished his game, commenting: "Desham is having a cool Open, but look how many open seats! ".

His sarcastic taunt incited a response from another professional golfer, Andrew Putnam. Stating back at him: "Probably should request a driver equipment check too; he's hitting it too far and straight," Putman added, "Also, drug test his caddie (Greg Bodine). He's way too calm and having too much fun for it being a US Open."

It wasn't long before Henley fired off a reply, stating: "lol. I don't hate the boy, at all, and I completely love his looper Bodine! He's a way better carrier than me. I was just giving us something to talk about. I'm fine with Desham winning ! ! ".

However, in the harsh light of Sunday morning and faced with a wave of social media backlash, Henley felt the need to defend himself further, exclaiming: "Jesus Mary and Joseph, you people have lost your minds! ".

He attempted to justify his tweet, lamenting: "Don't you think I would understand that Bryson's equipment has been inspected 1,000 times, and his putter would certainly be conforming? It was a tongue-in-cheek tweet that I knew would rile some of you up. This is the easiest pot I ever stirred."

Continuing to defend himself in another Twitter post, Henley noted: "(Andrew Putnam) got it quickly and threw his funny jab. Would any true golfer think Bryson's putter hasn't been inspected 100 times? They measure the thickness and rebounding qualities of drivers, for God's sake."

In the end, Bryson DeChambeau paid no mind to the social media furore, as he was busy claiming his second US Open title, matching his previous victory in 2020.

DeChambeau secured his second US Open title after a dramatic final day at Pinehurst, leaving Rory McIlroy to rue what could have been as he continues his decade-long wait for a fifth major.

DeChambeau's par save from a fairway bunker on the last hole was nothing short of brilliant, but it's McIlroy who will be left analysing how he failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity.

In an astonishing turn of events, the Northern Irishman missed crucial short putts - a mere two feet and six inches on the 16th and under four feet on the 18th - leading to a devastating defeat.

Sky Sports commentator and six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo didn't mince words, stating: "That's going to haunt Rory for the rest of his life, those two misses."