A dramatic closing stretch sees Bryson DeChambeau win another major after a heart-breaking finish from Rory McIlroy.
Bryson DeChambeau claimed his second U.S. Open title at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s No. 2 course on Sunday. DeChambeau secured the victory with a crucial up-and-down par on the 72nd hole, reminiscent of Payne Stewart’s iconic 18-footer in 1999. His sand save from 54 yards set up a four-foot putt, which he holed to win by one stroke.
DeChambeau, who entered the final round with a three-stroke lead, faced intense competition from Rory McIlroy. McIlroy briefly took the lead on the back nine before faltering with three bogeys in his last four holes, including missed short putts of four and five feet on the 16th and 18th holes, respectively. These mistakes dropped him to one shot behind DeChambeau. DeChambeau finished with a 1-over-par 71 for a 72-hole total of 6-under 274.
The final round was a dramatic showdown. McIlroy started strong, converting a 21-foot birdie putt on the first hole and making three more birdies in a five-hole stretch from the 9th to the 13th. However, the closing holes proved challenging. McIlroy, who had been 50 for 50 on putts inside five feet throughout the week, missed critical short putts that could have secured his fifth major title.
Patrick Cantlay and Tony Finau tied for third place at 4-under 276, with Hideki Matsuyama finishing sixth at 2-under 278. Russell Henley and Xander Schauffele tied for seventh at 1-under 279. Despite McIlroy’s strong performance early in the round, his struggles on the final holes extended his major championship drought, now spanning ten years since his last victory.
DeChambeau’s triumph at Pinehurst marks a significant milestone in his career, following his move to the LIV Golf circuit in 2022 and a transformative period focused on improving his physical fitness and adapting his game. Reflecting on his victory, DeChambeau said, “I’m so happy I got that shot up-and-down on 18. I didn’t want to finish second again. PGA really stung. Xander [Schauffele] played magnificent. I wanted to get this one done, especially at such a special place that means so much to me.”
He continued, “When I turned the corner and saw I was a couple back, I said, ‘Nope, I’m not going to let that happen.’ I have to focus on figuring out how to make this happen. I was a little lucky. Rory didn’t make a couple putts that he could have coming in. I had an amazing up-and-down on the last. I don’t know what else to say. It’s a dream come true.”
DeChambeau’s performance at Pinehurst was characterized by his powerful driving and deft touch around the greens. He led the field in average driving distance at 337.9 yards and showcased his short game proficiency with key par saves, particularly on the 8th and 18th holes. His ability to navigate the challenges of Pinehurst’s No. 2 course, known for its difficult greens, was crucial to his success.
The victory cements DeChambeau’s place among golf’s elite, joining a select group of 23 golfers who have won multiple U.S. Open titles. His journey from the PGA Tour to the LIV Golf circuit and subsequent transformation has been marked by both controversy and success, making his triumph at Pinehurst a significant achievement in his career.
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