Thursday 14 June 2018 21:08, UK
Dustin Johnson had Sky Sports to thank for finding his ball in the rough at the US Open, and he even earned a free drop when Rich Beem stepped on it!
Johnson got off to an excellent start in tough scoring conditions on the opening day at Shinnecock Hills, with birdies at the fourth and fifth taking him into a share of the lead.
But the 2016 champion then made a big mistake off the tee at the sixth as he pulled his drive too far left, his ball bounding into the thick rescue and out of sight.
Johnson, who regained the world No 1 ranking with his classy win in Memphis on Sunday, enlisted the help of a number of marshals and on-course reporters to help out with the search as he faced the prospect of having to head back to the tee.
But with time ticking away, Sky Sports commentator Beem unwittingly found Johnson's ball when he stepped on it and, because nobody in the search party had an idea of what the lie was, the American was granted a free drop which looked a lot more favourable.
Unfortunately for Johnson, he was unable to take advantage of his good fortune as he carded his first bogey of the day, although the damage could have been far worse if it wasn't for Beemer's size nines!
Watch the video above to see how Rich Beem found Johnson's ball in the deep rough at Shinnecock Hills ...
