'Peak 2020': Fans savage golf hulk after bizarre 'fire ants' rant
Bryson DeChambeau has become one of golf’s must-watch stars since the return, following the coronavirus pandemic, and the bulky American has proven it again after yet another bizarre run-in with officials.
Despite all his talent and hot-form, DeChambeau is quickly turning into golf’s villain after numerous clashes with cameraman and officials.
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DeChambeau was involved in a 10-shot meltdown most recently during the second round at the Memorial, which he labelled an official’s ruling as “garbage”.
At the Mortgage Classic, DeChambeau wasn’t happy with a cameraman, despite the cameraman having appeared to have only been doing his job.
Now, DeChambeau has fumed over having to hit a shot near a colony of fire ants.
DeChambeau was engaged in a four-minute debate with officials at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Classic on Thursday after he wanted a drop away from the ants and potentially his terrible positioning.
The hulking golfer claimed the position was dangerous, but the officials said: “I just don’t see it Bryson”.
Social media couldn’t help but side with the official, in yet another DeChameabu outburst.
Bryson DeChambeau + Fire Ants + burrowing animal hole = GOLD on a CBS Sports HQ live look-in. pic.twitter.com/IfLft2GNu3
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) July 30, 2020
Jack winning The Masters in 1986.
Tiger winning The Masters in 1997.
Justin Leonard's Ryder Cup putt.
Bryson DeChambeau asking for a free drop b/c of fire ants.
This is golf's Mt. Rushmore. pic.twitter.com/7afqxUbtQQ— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) July 30, 2020
Bryson DeChambeau is trying to get relief from a dangerous animal hole ... because his ball is behind a stick and he saw an ant. An ant. 🐜 This crap has to be exhausting for @PGATOUR officials at the #WGC. pic.twitter.com/RsXrpOlJWw
— Marcus Hayes (@inkstainedretch) July 30, 2020
In case you were wondering, and I know you were, Bryson DeChambeau weighs as much as 405,000,000 ants.
But - since ants are so strong, it would only take 810,000 ants to lift Bryson.
Be careful out there! pic.twitter.com/nYeO7wpDry— Rick Gehman (@RickRunGood) July 31, 2020
“What is this a golf course for ants!?”
-Bryson DeChambeau pic.twitter.com/MbASo4UgU3— Michael B (@mr_balty) July 30, 2020
Bryson DeChambeau vs. the “Fire” Ant Hill is so 2020
— Amanda Rose (@amandagolf59) July 30, 2020
Bryson DeChambeau calling over the official to say there was an ant that crawled into a small hole beside his ball and that he should have a drop is the most laughable thing ever
— stephen fitzpatrick (@sfitzy123) July 30, 2020
Bryson DeChambeau legitimately just tried to convince a rules official he should get a drop because there were a few fire ants near him and his ball.
We’ve reached peak 2020.— Mark Harris (@itismarkharris) July 30, 2020
I. Am. Howling. 🤣
Bryson DeChambeau asking for a free drop because of fire ants could honestly be the best golf moment of 2020 thus far 🔥🐜 https://t.co/DtZf086y8z— Devin Wilson (@Devbos) July 30, 2020
DeChambeau later said he accepted the ruling and capped off an impressive day to finish three-under 67.
Defending champ Koepka leads
Jason Day birdied the final hole to shoot a two-under-par 68 in the opening round of the WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational in Memphis on Thursday.
A day after announcing he had parted company with long-time coach and mentor Colin Swatton, the former world No.1 mixed five birdies with three bogeys to be in a tie for 15th.
The Queenslander is six shots behind leader Brooks Koepka, who returned to form with a 62 that included nine birdies and a lonesome bogey at TPC Southwind.
Day was even for the round after nine holes but birdies on 10, 16 and 18 kept him four shots behind and within striking distance of second-placed duo Rickie Fowler and Brendon Todd.
The world No.43 would have been even closer had it not been for a bogey on 17, but still finds himself in elite company including Bubba Watson, Louis Oosthuizen, Jordan Spieth and Hideki Matsuyama.
Compatriot Marc Leishman finished even par while Matt Jones and Lucas Herbert went one over for the day, a shot ahead of Cameron Smith.
Before Koepka struck, Fowler put a poor recent run behind him to grab the clubhouse lead.