Bryson DeChambeau’s putter controversy: Is it legal?

Bryson DeChambeau’s putter is back in the spotlight. The controversy, which revolves around the legality of his putter’s design, questions whether it violates the rules governing the lie angle permitted in professional golf. This isn’t the first time DeChambeau’s equipment has come under scrutiny, but the resurfacing of these allegations has reignited debate among golf enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The issue, raised in a Golf.com article by the platform’s so-called “Rules Guy,” has drawn attention to the specific rules that regulate the permissible lie angle of putters. The article argues that Bryson DeChambeau’s putter, which some observers claim appears to be nearly vertical, could potentially be non-conforming to the USGA’s rules.

This assertion has once again placed DeChambeau in the crosshairs of critics who have previously questioned the legality of his putter.

Bryson DeChambeau’s Putt Issues

The recent controversy is focused on whether a putter is allowed to have a lie angle more perpendicular than 80 degrees, with specific reference to DeChambeau’s equipment, which appeared to some to approach a 90-degree angle.

According to the USGA’s Equipment Rules, Part 2, 1d, the lie angle of a putter must diverge from the vertical by at least 10 degrees. This rule is crucial in maintaining fairness and ensuring that the equipment used by players does not provide an undue advantage.

The rule states that the projection of the straight part of the shaft onto the vertical plane through the toe and heel must diverge from the vertical by at least 10 degrees. If the overall design of the club allows the player to effectively use it in a vertical or nearly vertical position, the shaft may need to diverge from the vertical by up to 25 degrees.

Despite these clear guidelines, the exact angle of Bryson DeChambeau’s putter has been a matter of debate. While the golfer insists that his putter conforms to the rules, critics argue that the nearly vertical appearance of his SIK Pro C-Series Armlock putter raises questions.

This issue first came to light when veteran caddie Kip Henley took to social media during the 2024 U.S. Open, suggesting that Bryson DeChambeau’s putter might be violating the rules.

Henley’s comments, made on social media, reignited the controversy surrounding DeChambeau’s putter. In his post, Henley noted that the shaft of Bryson DeChambeau’s putter appeared to be too vertical, potentially violating the rule requiring a minimum divergence of 10 degrees. Henley, a seasoned caddie with years of experience on the tour, said:

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

Henley’s remarks quickly garnered attention, sparking a flurry of discussions among fans, players, and analysts. Many pointed out that Bryson DeChambeau’s putter had been in use for a significant period and had passed numerous inspections without issue. Others, however, echoed Henley’s concerns, arguing that the visual appearance of the putter warranted closer scrutiny.

The controversy is not new for Bryson DeChambeau, who has faced criticism in the past for his unconventional approach to the game. His use of single-length irons, the armlock putting technique, and now, his putter’s lie angle have all been subjects of debate.

DeChambeau has often been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of golf equipment and techniques, which has both earned him praise for innovation and criticism for allegedly bending the rules.

As of now, Bryson DeChambeau has not made any official statement regarding the latest wave of allegations surrounding his putter. In previous instances, DeChambeau has staunchly defended his equipment and methods, emphasizing that all of his tools are within the legal parameters set by the USGA.

DeChambeau has often cited his commitment to innovation and his adherence to the principles outlined in “The Golfing Machine” by Homer Kelley, a book that heavily influences his approach to the sport.

Controversy aside, Bryson DeChambeau’s performance on the green has been stellar. During the 2024 U.S. Open, where Henley first raised the issue, DeChambeau was among the leaders in putting stats, underscoring his effectiveness with the questioned putter.

His ability to consistently perform well, despite the controversy surrounding his equipment, has only added to the debate. Some argue that his success on the greens is proof that his methods, while unconventional, are within the bounds of the game, while others suggest that his equipment might be giving him an unfair advantage.

The rules governing the lie angle of putters are designed to ensure that no player gains an unfair advantage through equipment design. The USGA’s Equipment Rules, specifically the provision regarding lie angles, are intended to maintain a level playing field by preventing putters that can be used in a nearly vertical position, which could theoretically offer greater control and accuracy. By requiring a minimum divergence from the vertical, the rules aim to preserve the traditional mechanics of putting.

For a putter like Bryson DeChambeau’s to be deemed illegal, it would have to be demonstrated that the shaft does not diverge from the vertical by the required 10 degrees. This would render the putter non-conforming and could potentially lead to disqualification if used in competition.

However, determining the exact lie angle and whether it conforms to the rules can be complex, often requiring detailed measurements and analysis by equipment experts.

The controversy surrounding Bryson DeChambeau’s putter is emblematic of the larger debates within the golf community about innovation, tradition, and the rules of the game. While DeChambeau continues to push the envelope with his equipment and techniques, critics remain vigilant, ensuring that his innovations stay within the legal boundaries of the sport. As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: Bryson DeChambeau will continue to be a polarizing figure in the world of golf, with his putter at the center of the ongoing controversy.

For now, the legality of DeChambeau’s putter remains a topic of discussion, with opinions divided on whether it gives him an unfair advantage or simply reflects his unique approach to the game. As more details emerge and the USGA potentially weighs in, this controversy is likely to persist, keeping Bryson DeChambeau and his putter in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.