We have a winner….
On a dramatic Sunday at Pinehurst No. 2, Bryson DeChambeau clinched his second U.S. Open title, edging out Rory McIlroy, who continued his nearly decade-long drought without a major win following a crucial miss on the final hole. The day was marked by high tension and a remarkable finish that saw DeChambeau execute a series of challenging shots under pressure.
#WINNING MOMENT — BRYSON DECHAMBEAU WINS THE U.S. OPEN AT PINEHURST NO. 2 @Crushers_GC | @b_dechambeau
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 16, 2024
The critical moment came at the 18th hole, where DeChambeau, initially in a tight spot near a tree root, managed to punch his ball into a bunker across the fairway. From there, he chipped to about 4 feet and sank a par putt, finishing at 6 under, just one shot ahead of McIlroy. McIlroy’s hope for victory was dashed after missing a short par putt, adding to the heartbreak of his performance.
DeChambeau, reflecting on his victory, appreciated the intense competition and expressed his respect for McIlroy, acknowledging the tough break that led to his win. He also paid homage to Payne Stewart, the 1999 U.S. Open winner at Pinehurst, referencing him in his victory celebration.
BRYSON DECHAMBEAU (+2000) WINS HIS SECOND U.S. OPEN IN A WILD FINISH
pic.twitter.com/HUW8xjBrjF— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) June 16, 2024
The final round was a roller-coaster for both players. DeChambeau entered the day with a three-stroke lead, but McIlroy surged ahead on the back nine, only to lose momentum with bogeys on the 15th, 16th, and 18th holes. McIlroy’s failure to convert crucial putts underlined his disappointing finish, continuing his series of near-misses in major tournaments.
Other notable performances included Tony Finau and Patrick Cantlay, who tied for third, while Matthieu Pavon praised DeChambeau’s skill, particularly his short game on the final hole, calling it a “master class.”
Rory McIlroy misses another short putt on No. 18 to drop to -5. Par or better wins the U.S. Open for Bryson DeChambeau. pic.twitter.com/F74ReDuUDC
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 16, 2024
This U.S. Open, returning to Pinehurst for the first time in a decade, not only highlighted DeChambeau’s resilience and strategic play but also underscored McIlroy’s ongoing struggle to reclaim his form in major championships, a narrative that has followed him since his last major win at the 2014 PGA Championship. The event ended with a mix of triumph and tragedy, encapsulating the dramatic unpredictability of golf at its highest level.
Major Points:
- Bryson DeChambeau won his second U.S. Open title at Pinehurst No. 2, edging out Rory McIlroy by one stroke.
- McIlroy faced a disappointing finish, missing crucial short putts on the 18th, continuing his nearly decade-long major championship drought.
- DeChambeau executed a critical chip shot from a bunker on the 18th hole to secure a par and the championship, finishing at 6 under par.
- The victory was emotional for DeChambeau, who referenced the late Payne Stewart, a former U.S. Open winner at Pinehurst, in his celebration.
- Other contenders included Tony Finau and Patrick Cantlay, who tied for third, while Matthieu Pavon admired DeChambeau’s skillful final hole performance, describing it as a “master class.”
James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News