In a thrilling back-nine showdown at Pinehurst, Bryson DeChambeau secured his second US Open title by sinking the winning putt, narrowly beating Rory McIlroy by one stroke. The 30-year-old American shot a one-over-par 71 to finish with a score of six-under-par 274 for the tournament, while McIlroy finished on 275 after carding a 69 in the final round.
McIlroy, who was looking to end a 10-year major win drought, held a two-stroke lead with five holes remaining but faltered down the stretch with bogeys on three of the last four holes. DeChambeau, taking advantage of McIlroy’s mistakes, managed to secure the victory with a clutch putt on the 18th hole, despite finding trouble off the tee.
After sinking the winning putt, DeChambeau celebrated by raising his arms in triumph, screaming, and jumping with joy. He dedicated his victory to the late Payne Stewart, the 1999 US Open champion at Pinehurst. DeChambeau pointed to a pin of Stewart on his cap and declared, “That’s Payne right there, baby,” in a moment of homage to the golfing legend.
