Bryson DeChambeau hit the ball into the stands on the 18th hole at Pinehurst, dedicating his father’s memory, who passed away a couple of years ago. He also honored Payne Stewart, a golfer who lost his life in a plane crash after winning the 1999 US Open. After the win, he celebrated with a few jumps with his teammates, and Sergio García, a fellow golfer who plays in the LIV Golf tour, congratulated him.
DeChambeau had already won a major, in 2020, but secretly during the pandemic, without public fanfare. This win was different, as he had fought for it, finishing second in the Masters and PGA Championship before claiming his first major win. Rory McIlroy, who was also in contention, had a cruel end to his tournament, making three bogeys in the last four holes and missing two putts from five feet.
DeChambeau finished over par in the final round with three bogeys and two birdies, but played with integrity, having more birdie opportunities than his opponent. He hit a decisive wedge on the 18th hole to secure the win, calling it “probably the best shot of my life”. The victory vindicates the LIV tour, which had only added one major with one of its members, Brooks Koepka, until now.
DeChambeau also claims a figure, having worked on creating a bodybuilding physique to gain distance. However, this has led to bloating and intolerances in his diet, which have affected his career. His win provides overwhelming information, as the last six majors have been won by six different American players, a dominance not seen since the 1970s.
The win also happened in Pinehurst, a course known for its tricky greens, which are hellish. The lack of robust rough and wide fairways meant that only a few players managed to break par, with only eleven players below par on the field. Sergio García, a fellow golfer, had a strong performance, finishing twelfth, his best since winning the 2017 Masters.
