Bryson DeChambeau hits ‘shot of my life’ to lift second US Open after late drama
On June 16, Bryson DeChambeau delivered a masterful performance at Pinehurst, clinching his second US Open title in dramatic fashion. Faced with a daunting bunker shot on the 18th hole, DeChambeau displayed remarkable skill and composure, securing a crucial par that sealed his one-shot victory over Rory McIlroy. DeChambeau’s final round of one-over 71 brought…
On June 16, Bryson DeChambeau delivered a masterful performance at Pinehurst, clinching his second US Open title in dramatic fashion. Faced with a daunting bunker shot on the 18th hole, DeChambeau displayed remarkable skill and composure, securing a crucial par that sealed his one-shot victory over Rory McIlroy.
DeChambeau’s final round of one-over 71 brought his total to six-under 274, just enough to edge out McIlroy, who finished with a 69. This triumph added another major title to DeChambeau’s collection, following his 2020 US Open victory. “That bunker shot was the shot of my life,” the 30-year-old American said. “I’m so happy I got that shot up and down on 18. It’s a dream come true.”
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The tension peaked at the 18th hole when DeChambeau, needing an up-and-down from a 55-yard bunker shot, executed flawlessly, landing the ball four feet from the hole. He then calmly sank the par putt, a moment described by his playing partner, Matthieu Pavon, as one of the greatest shots in golf history. Pavon, who ended up fifth with a score of 71, remarked on DeChambeau’s shot, “He just played like unbelievable. At that time, with the pressure he had at that moment, it is just one of the best shots in golf history.”
Americans Tony Finau and Patrick Cantlay tied for third, both finishing at 276, demonstrating the high level of competition. However, McIlroy’s final round was marked by missed opportunities, notably squandering a two-stroke lead with bogeys on three of the last four holes, including a crucial missed four-foot par putt on the 18th that handed DeChambeau the win.
DeChambeau, who had recently finished as runner-up to Xander Schauffele at the PGA Championship, was determined not to fall short again. Reflecting on his victory, he said, “Oh, man, I didn’t want to finish second again. PGA really stung. I wanted to get this one done. As much as it is heartbreaking for some people, it was heartbreak for me at the PGA. I really wanted this one.”
A pivotal moment for DeChambeau came when his caddie, Gregory Bodine, offered words of encouragement on the 18th hole. “My caddie telling me you can do it on 18 out of that bunker. Greg telling me, ‘You got this shot. I’ve seen way harder shots pulled off from you,’” DeChambeau recalled. This boost of confidence was critical as he faced one of the most challenging shots of his career.
McIlroy, who has not won a major since 2014, faced a tough moment when he found himself in the left rough on the 18th, trying to hit around a root. “I was actually concerned I might hurt myself getting out of that,” he said. His attempt to run the ball up the green resulted in a difficult bunker shot. “I had no backswing. I’m just like, OK, I have to hack it. Hopefully it will go down the line, but it didn’t. It cut and it went into the bunker, one of the worst places I could have been,” McIlroy admitted, underscoring the unpredictable nature of golf.
The aftermath saw McIlroy and his caddie, Harry Diamond, quickly leaving the course, a scene reminiscent of past heartbreaks in golf history. DeChambeau, meanwhile, expressed his admiration for McIlroy, stating, “Rory is one of the best to ever play. Being able to fight against a great like that is pretty special. For him to miss that (last) putt, I’d never wish it on anybody. It just happened to play out that way. He’ll win multiple more Major championships. There’s no doubt. I think that fire in him is going to continue to grow… I’d love to have a lot more battles with him.”
Reflecting on the pressure McIlroy faced, Pavon noted, “At the end of the day we’re all human. Rory has been chasing another Major for many years. He is one of the best players in the world, a true champion. It shows you how tough it is. Maybe this is a little bit of pressure that got him today for sure… I’m sure he will fight back and really soon.”
DeChambeau’s victory at Pinehurst not only added another major to his resume but also underscored his resilience and ability to perform under immense pressure, setting the stage for more thrilling battles in the future.