Three Takeaways From Bryson DeChambeau's U.S. Open Win
Bryson DeChambeau won a thriller at Pinehurst No. 2 after edging out Rory McIlroy by one stroke to win the 124th U.S. Open. After a rollercoaster final day where McIlroy and DeChambeau traded leads, Bryson emerged victorious to earn his second career U.S. Open win.
DeChambeau’s U.S. Open Victory
Bryson DeChambeau
Three things stood out most during Bryson’s final round at Pinehurst No. 2. His short game, composure, and love for the fans.
Short Game
DeChambeau is mostly known for his driving ability. He hits it straight and very far, to say the least. However, he struggled off the tee on Sunday and it seemed like it would be his downfall. He only hit 5/14 fairways and found himself with tough lies in the wiregrass all day. Per Golf WRX, Bryson disclosed he switched his driver head minutes before his tee time which most likely played a big role in the struggles.
“I probably shouldn’t have changed the heads. I was trying to get a fresh head in there. It had a good curvature on the face, but it was a little bit lower loft."
Bryson’s struggles off the tee contributed to him only hitting 11/18 greens in regulation. Despite the lack of birdie attempts, his short game was impeccable and he was able to save par countless times.
His first miraculous par save came on the Par 4 486-yard 8th hole. His tee shot landed in the trees and he had a tough angle to get his ball out safely. He hit a fade out of the trees that landed long and short-sided to the green. With a brutal chip upcoming a bogey seemed inevitable, however, DeChambeau put his chip to about 10 feet and made the par putt to keep a one-stroke lead.
Another miraculous save came on the 18th hole where he hit his tournament-winning bunker shot. DeChambeau and Rory were tied at -6 entering the last hole, however, a missed four-foot putt from McIlroy left the door open for Bryson.
DeChambeau’s tee shot went far left into the wiregrass where he had a tough lie and tree branches hanging overhead. After several minutes of practice swings and pondering what to do his second shot landed in a bunker 55 yards away from the pin. It seemed like a bogey and a playoff with Rory was looming, but Bryson had other thoughts. He stuck his bunker shot to three feet for a tap in par putt, securing the title.
Composure
Bryson entered Sunday with a three-stroke lead and it seemed like if he shot an even round he would be able to get the win since the greens were going to be very firm and fast.
He held his lead for the entirety of the front nine, but Rory began heating up and made four birdies in a five-hole span to take a two-stroke solo lead. DeChambeau was well aware of his lead slipping away whether he saw Rory make clutch putts from a distance or whether he heard the “Rory” chants from the crowd. Despite being two strokes back he didn’t let it phase him and he continued playing his scramble-type game.
DeChambeau let his chances slip again after missing a four-foot par putt on hole 15 to tie McIlroy. Even after missing a huge putt Bryson’s confidence did not seem to waiver. He continued to fight for every par and his resilience proved to be the difference maker.
Interaction With Fans
It is safe to say DeChambeau has way more fans today than he did a few years ago. He was in the public eye for countless things that caused fans to dislike him such as looking for relief because an ant was near his ball, his feud with Brooks Koepka, or because he left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.
He has changed the way many people view him now. He is always seen interacting with fans throughout the round, even when the U.S. Open is on the line. His YouTube channel has taken off and it is a good way for people to see how he is when the PGA Tour/LIV Golf spotlight isn’t on him. People can see how he is more like a normal person rather than just a professional golfer.
He also said in his post-round interview that he wants the fans to touch the trophy. When I heard this I thought wow that is nice of him, but I doubt that will happen. Well, I was wrong. DeChambeau walked through the crowd with fans swarming him and touching the U.S. Open trophy.
Bryson’s Final Hole
DeChambeau now has two major wins, both in the U.S. Open (2020 & 2024). He will be looking for major number three next month at the Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club.
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