Bryson DeChambeau played out a U.S. Open battle for the ages with Rory McIlroy, but it was the LIV Golf star who prevailed following Sunday’s final round in North Carolina
Bryson DeChambeau has been crowned U.S. Open champion for the second time in his career, after seeing off Rory McIlroy in a major championship battle for the ages at Pinehurst No. 2.
DeChambeau headed into the final 18 holes of the tournament with a three-shot lead, having impressed across the opening three rounds in North Carolina. And despite surrendering his lead to the chasing McIlroy during the back nine on Sunday, the Crushers captain did enough to claw his way back.
DeChambeau is off course known for his big-hitting abilities off the tee, but after struggling with his driver throughout, the two-time champion had his impeccable short game to thank during the final 18 holes of the week.
Ironically for McIlroy this would end up being his downfall, after the Northern Irishman missed two putts from close range would ultimately cost him dearly. DeChambeau was fairly slow-starting out of the blocks, after the overnight leader played his opening nine holes in one-over-par.
McIlroy meanwhile was able to shoot one-under on the way out, to reduce DeChambeau’s lead to just one with nine to play. Things then got even better for the Northern Irishman a hole later, as he made a birdie at the par-five 10th hole to draw himself level alongside the American.
DeChambeau however hit back immediately, birdeing the 10th himself just minutes leader to once again put him a shot clear. Unsurprisingly this championship was not done there though, as just three holes later McIlroy was the man on top, and by two.
Having parred the 11th, McIlroy added back-to-back birdies to his card at 12 and 13. In the group behind, DeChambeau could clearly feel the tide turning, and having bogeyed the 12th, the LIV member saw his name drift down the leaderboard with six holes to play.
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