Dustin Johnson claimed his first Major title on Sunday as he won the US Open at Oakmont by three shots, but his victory in Pennsylvania was tainted after a controversial decision by the USGA.
On the fifth green, Johnson's ball moved fractionally as he prepared to line up his putt but he did not ground his club and the incident appeared to be dealt with at the time by the officials.
However, on the 12th tee - at least 90 minutes after the incident - Johnson was informed that he may be penalised at the end of his round, with USGA officials refusing to make a ruling on an alleged offence until they had spoken to the American when he reached the clubhouse.
It was a decision that resulted in the sport's biggest stars taking to social media to criticise the tournament organisers, with the uncertainty adding another layer to an already-tense situation in which Johnson, third-round leader Shane Lowry and the chasing pack were all vying for their first Major title.
Johnson birdied the final hole to reach the clubhouse clear of his rivals and although he was eventually docked a shot when signing his scorecard, comments from the likes of Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell did not go unnoticed.
This is ridiculous... No penalty whatsoever for DJ. Let the guy play without this crap in his head. Amateur hour from @USGA
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) June 19, 2016
Lemme get this straight.. DJ doesn't address it. It's ruled that he didn't cause it to move. Now you tell him he may have? Now? This a joke?
— Jordan Spieth (@JordanSpieth) June 19, 2016
No way DJ gets a penalty. Use some common sense @usga The greens are running 14 and are sloppier than Mount Everest
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) June 19, 2016
.@JordanSpieth @McIlroyRory w/ you boys! The fact that the @usga thinks that DJ caused the ball to move is completely ridiculous! Laughable!
— Rickie Fowler (@RickieFowler) June 19, 2016
They need to stop play here and make a call on this DJ situation. Players need to know what they have to do.
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) June 19, 2016
After Johnson holed his final putt to clinch the title - which came after a pin-point approach shot - McIlroy and co returned to Twitter to congratulate their fellow professional.
Take that @usga
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) June 19, 2016
Congrats @DJohnsonPGA .. You earned it buddy
— Jordan Spieth (@JordanSpieth) June 20, 2016
DJ!!! @DJohnsonPGA you are the man...that was impressive!!!
— Rickie Fowler (@RickieFowler) June 20, 2016
DJ should pull a Faldo and thank the @usga from the heart of his bottom
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) June 20, 2016
