Bryson DeChambeau emerged victorious in a thrilling final round at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, edging out Rory McIlroy by one shot to win the U.S. Open on Sunday. McIlroy’s quest to end a decade-long major drought was thwarted by a late collapse, as he bogeyed three of his final four holes.
DeChambeau, playing in the final group, managed to maintain his composure despite an errant tee shot into the rough, saving par with a brilliant up-and-down on the last hole. His one-over 71 final round secured a heart-pounding victory with a total score of six-under 274.
“Oh, man, I didn’t want to finish second again,” said DeChambeau, who was runner-up at the PGA Championship last month. “PGA really stung. As much as it is heartbreaking for some people, it was heartbreak for me at the PGA. I really wanted this one.”
The 30-year-old American began the day at the top of the leaderboard, three shots clear of McIlroy and the chasing pack. However, he found himself trailing the world number three by two strokes with five holes to play. DeChambeau’s final birdie on the 13th hole proved crucial as McIlroy faltered down the stretch.
McIlroy had used a hot putter to grab the lead, but his putting went cold when it mattered most. He missed crucial putts from 30 inches on the 16th and from inside four feet on the 18th, leaving him in disbelief as he exited the course swiftly.
DeChambeau’s victory marks his second career major win, his first being the 2020 U.S. Open. “Ultimately on 13, I knew I had to make birdie there to give myself a chance because Rory was going on a heater,” DeChambeau said. “He slipped up a couple on the way coming in, and I just kept staying the course.”
Patrick Cantlay (70) and Tony Finau (67) finished tied for third, one shot behind McIlroy.
The U.S. Open showcased top-level golf, providing a rare display of competition between players from the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit. DeChambeau, representing LIV Golf, hoped his win could help bridge the divide in the sport.
“I hope this can bridge the gap between a divided game,” DeChambeau said. “All I want to do is entertain and do my best for the game of golf, execute, and provide some awesome entertainment for the fans. From at least what I can tell, that’s what the fans want, and they deserve that. Let bygones be bygones and go figure it out.”
Along with the prestigious trophy, DeChambeau took home a record $4.3 million winner’s purse, cementing his status as one of the most captivating figures in golf today.
