Bryson DeChambeau is one of the most competitive golfers on the circuit. The Mad Scientist can go to any length to secure the best possible result, albeit with the legality of rules. So what does DeChambeau do when he has to hit through a difficult lie? How about citing fire ants and their safety? As weird as it sounds, DeChambeau nearly executed the neat trick to get out of a difficult position once, but to no avail.

Bryson DeChambeau’s hysterics at the 2020 FedEx St. Jude Invitational explained

DeChambeau had a second meltdown in as many events after his victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in 2020. This one was more of an unnecessary whine, or a genuinely caring act, whichever way you look at it.

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The event unfolded at the FedEx St. Jude Invitational at TPC Southwind, where DeChambeau arrived high on confidence. He came to the tournament at the back of a three-stroke victory over fellow American Matthew Wolff in the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

However, things didn’t turn out prettily for the golfer. The misadventure began at the par-4 7th after a mis-hit landed between two sticks. Reluctant to not get his equal-sized clubs dirty, DeChambeau engaged in a lengthy argument for a drop. The reason? The on-site presence of fire ants.

Bryson DeChambeau cries foul over fire ants

The 29-year-old was well-versed in the ruling playbook, which allows golfers to refrain from hitting their balls that encompass small animals within their vicinity. DeChambeau called over rules official Ken Tackett to consider his request, with the presence of fire ants as the primary motive.

To quote the rules, USGA rule 16.2a states that, “A ‘dangerous animal condition’ exists when a dangerous animal (such as poisonous snakes, stinging bees, alligators, fire ants or bears) near a ball could cause serious physical injury to the player if he or she had to play the ball as it lies.”

Yet, Tackett wasn’t moved. “I just don’t see it Bryson,” Tackett said. “There’s a couple down there, but I don’t see fire ants.” After nearly four minutes of argument, DeChambeau finally laid the case to rest. He eventually made it to the hole with a double bogey.

For someone who pushes the boundaries of golf, extracting every relevance of the rulebook seems normal for DeChambeau. He is not called the ‘Mad Scientist’ for nothing!

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