LIV Golf League captain Bryson DeChambeau has once again claimed the U.S. Open title. His victory at Pinehurst No. 2 was nothing short of thrilling, especially as he squared off against PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy in a nail-biting final round. McIlroy, on the other hand, faced yet another heart-wrenching near-miss, extending his nearly 10-year drought without a major championship win. The tension peaked on the final holes, where McIlroy's missteps and DeChambeau's clutch performance ultimately decided the winner.
The Climactic Final Round
The 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion. DeChambeau and McIlroy both found trouble off the tee on the 18th hole, pulling their shots into the unpredictable native area near the grandstand on the left of the fairway. McIlroy's ball landed behind a large clump of wiregrass, about 123 yards from the hole, leaving him with no choice but to blast it through the grass and up the fairway. His approach shot came up just short of the green, and after chipping to 4 feet, he missed the crucial par putt. He tapped in for bogey and could only watch as DeChambeau faced his own challenge.
DeChambeau's second shot on the 18th was equally dramatic, as he had to navigate the native grass and a tree root to send his ball across the fairway into a bunker. From 55 yards out, he chipped it to about 4 feet and sunk the par putt to finish 6 under, one shot better than McIlroy. "I can't believe that up and down on the last," DeChambeau exclaimed. "Probably the best shot of my life."
The Path to Victory
DeChambeau started the final round with a 3-stroke lead but briefly lost it to McIlroy on the back nine. McIlroy surged ahead with birdies on the 9th, 10th, 12th, and 13th holes, becoming the first golfer to reach 8 under. However, his lead was short-lived as he stumbled with bogeys on the 15th, 16th, and 18th holes, falling back to 5 under.
The par-3 15th hole proved particularly challenging for McIlroy. After blasting his tee shot over the green, he couldn't save par. DeChambeau also had his share of struggles, missing a 4-foot par putt on the same hole, which temporarily gave McIlroy a 1-shot lead. But the pendulum swung back when McIlroy missed a 2½-footer for par on the 16th hole, a putt he hadn't missed from that distance all season.
The Others in the Mix
While DeChambeau and McIlroy were the main protagonists, other golfers also made notable contributions to the tournament's narrative. Tony Finau, with a 3-under 67, and Patrick Cantlay, with an even-par 70, tied for third at 4 under. Matthieu Pavon, who was aiming to become the first French golfer to win the U.S. Open, finished fifth after a 1-over 71 on Sunday.
A Decade in the Making
This U.S. Open, the first held at Pinehurst No. 2 in a decade, will be remembered not just for DeChambeau's victory but also for McIlroy's collapse. McIlroy, who was seeking his first major title since the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, had one of the most forgettable finishes for any final-round leader in a major.
Despite his stellar play for most of the tournament, McIlroy's inability to close it out on the final holes overshadowed his otherwise strong performance. His runner-up finish marks the fourth time in his career that he has come up just short in a major.
The Champion's Journey
DeChambeau's victory at Pinehurst adds another chapter to his impressive career. The 2020 U.S. Open champion at Winged Foot Golf Club in New York, DeChambeau has now proven his mettle once again on one of golf's grandest stages. He carded a 1-over 71 in the final round, making him the first U.S. Open champion to record a final round over par since Graeme McDowell in 2010.
This victory is particularly sweet for DeChambeau, who has faced his own set of challenges and criticisms throughout his career. Known for his unorthodox approach and scientific method to the game, DeChambeau has often been a polarizing figure in the golf world. However, his performance at Pinehurst showcased his resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
McIlroy's Ongoing Quest
For McIlroy, the quest for another major title continues. Despite his near-misses, he remains one of the most talented and popular players on the PGA Tour. His performance at Pinehurst, while ultimately disappointing, demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level. The tenacity he displayed, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to his skill and determination.
Final Thoughts
The 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 was a thrilling showcase of golf at its finest. Bryson DeChambeau's victory, marked by a clutch performance on the final hole, and Rory McIlroy's agonizing near-miss made for a dramatic and unforgettable tournament. As golf fans look forward to the next major championship, they will surely remember the excitement and heartbreak that defined this year's U.S. Open.
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