DeChambeau Wins U.S. Open as McIlroy Crumbles

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Bryson DeChambeau secured the U.S. Open Sunday after an exciting final-round duel, defeating Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland by a shot at the Pinehurst resort in North Carolina. DeChambeau kept his nerve and made par at the 18th, playing brilliant up-and-down from the rough. McIlroy made a dogged charge but fell short at the finish. He bogeyed three of his last four holes, including a miss from inside four feet on the 18th. His final round of 69 left him well adrift in solitary second, a shot ahead of Americans Patrick Cantlay and Tony Finau.

DeChambeau, beginning the day three shots clear, found himself trailing McIlroy by two with five holes to play, but a clutch birdie at the 13th kept him in contention. The putting woes of McIlroy paved the way for DeChambeau, who gained his second career major win at six-under 274. DeChambeau confessed relief after a string of second-place finishes, which included last month’s PGA Championship, saying he was so resolute not to waste such an opportunity again. He confessed he was a bit fortunate as he watched McIlroy miss critical putts down the stretch. His final round of one-over 71 proved good enough in a heart-stopping win.

An early hot putter had given McIlroy the lead, only for him to miss a 30-inch putt on the 16th and a four-footer on the 18th. Shellshocked, McIlroy made a quick exit from the course, driving away from the scene of his late collapse. It was the single greatest, most impressive U.S. Open performance many fans had ever seen, and the dramatic finale left them speechless. The win marked the latest major title in succession for a LIV Golf player. DeChambeau had high hopes that this victory would heal the golf world, splitting between his sides. He wants to make sure that what he does on the course is exciting and unifying for the fans.

DeChambeau did make sure to play with big hitting and determination at Pinehurst No. 2. He, though, did pay homage to McIlroy’s near-miss, saying that it made his victory all special and hoped his win healed that rift in the golf community.