Bryson DeChambeau Snatches Victory in Thrilling U.S. Open

Bryson DeChambeau Snatches Victory in Thrilling U.S. Open
(John Angelillo/UPI/Alamy)

Bryson DeChambeau capitalized from a late Rory McIlroy collapse to claim a one-shot victory in a gripping U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The 30-year-old American entered the final round in what was already a gruelling contest with a three-shot advantage but was soon overhauled by McIlroy thanks to a run of four birdies in five holes which meant he led the way with five to play with the crowd right behind him chanting “Rory, Rory, Rory”. However, the four-time major winner derailed his chances of winning that elusive fifth major title after sinking three bogeys in the last four.

DeChambeau took advantage of McIlroy’s late collapse to card a final-round 71 to end the tournament on six under and seal his second U.S. Open triumph earning a major championship-record $4.3 million. A four-foot putt on the final hole sparked wild celebrations from the LIV golfer, while McIlroy looked on dejectedly, his hopes shattered.

“I felt like I was hitting the driver the way I wanted today,” DeChambeau said in the trophy presentation. “I just kept staying the course focussed on trying as many fairways as I could even though I didn’t but I got myself out of trouble really well but I can’t believe that up and down, it was probably the best shot of my life.

“I was just trying to land it pretty much where I landed it. I knew that was huge to get up and down to win this huge prestigious championship. It’s the highlight of my life.”

This is DeChambeau’s second triumph at the U.S. Open with the first title won in the 2020 iteration of the event at Winged Foot, which was his first major victory of his career. In the previous two majors of the year, the Masters and the PGA Championship, DeChambeau finished in fourth and second respectively.

For McIlroy, it was an agonizing end as he finished runner-up at a major for the fourth time since winning the US PGA Championship in 2014. Just like his one-shot defeat to Wyndham Clark a year ago, this will sting for the Northern Irishman, but he will aim to bounce back in the upcoming PGA TOUR events, regain his winning form, and hope to end his drought at the 152nd Open next month.

“Rory is one of the best to ever play,” said DeChambeau. “Being able to fight against a great like that is pretty special. For him to miss that putt [on 18], I’d never wish it on anybody. Luckily, things went my way.”

Eight-time PGA Tour winner Patrick Cantlay and six-time winner Tony Finau finished a shot further back on four under while France’s Matthieu Pavon finished in third.

What is the next event?

The next major on the 2024 calendar is The 152nd Open taking place between 18-21 July at Royal Troon in Scotland.