Bryson DeChambeau’s gesture to Rory McIlroy at US Open shows LIV Golf star’s class
Bryson DeChambeau emerged victorious in a nail-biting finish at the U.S. Open, held at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, clinching his second major championship within four years. The 30-year-old displayed commendable sportsmanship and strategic prowess, edging out Rory McIlroy by just one shot in an intense final-round battle. The final day saw DeChambeau, playing…
Bryson DeChambeau emerged victorious in a nail-biting finish at the U.S. Open, held at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, clinching his second major championship within four years. The 30-year-old displayed commendable sportsmanship and strategic prowess, edging out Rory McIlroy by just one shot in an intense final-round battle.
The final day saw DeChambeau, playing alongside France’s Matthieu Pavon, start the round with a three-shot lead over McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay, who were in the preceding group. Pavon, despite being in the mix until the closing stages, couldn’t sustain his momentum over the challenging final 18 holes.
The decisive moment came on the 18th hole, where McIlroy, needing a par to stay in contention, bogeyed, thus putting DeChambeau in a position where he only needed a par to secure victory. After a wayward tee shot, DeChambeau was forced to lay up into a bunker. Demonstrating his resilience and skill, he executed a stunning recovery shot, setting up a crucial par putt for the win.
Pavon, who had reached the green in two, had a birdie opportunity to tie for third place with Cantlay and Tony Finau at four-under. Unfortunately, he left his birdie attempt short, leaving himself a short par putt just inside DeChambeau’s putt for the win.
A moment of controversy arose when Pavon marked his ball, much to the dismay of many spectators who felt it was overshadowing DeChambeau’s potential moment of triumph. DeChambeau, however, calmed the crowd, showing remarkable poise and understanding.
Pavon later explained on the ForePlay podcast that DeChambeau preferred not to gain any advantage by observing the read from Pavon’s putt, which he felt would be unfair to McIlroy. DeChambeau reportedly told Pavon, “Thanks for not doing it because you would have shown me the line, and I think it’s not fair for Rory, and I do not want to win it that way.”
Following his victory, DeChambeau is slated to compete in the upcoming LIV Golf event in Nashville. Meanwhile, Mito Pereira will make his return to the PGA Tour, participating in the Travelers Championship.
DeChambeau’s win at Pinehurst No. 2 not only highlighted his talent but also underscored his commitment to fair play, enhancing his reputation in the world of golf.
