US Open 2024: DeChambeau holds off McIlroy in thrilling finish
Bryson DeChambeau claimed his second US Open golf title on Monday morning (AEST), beating Rory McIlroy by one stroke at Pinehurst No.2 after a tense battle down the stretch.
DeChambeau entered the final day in North Carolina with a three-shot lead, but McIlroy chipped away at that margin to set up a thrilling head-to-head contest.
By the time his rival reached the 14th tee, the Irishman had opened up a two-shot lead and appeared destined to snap his 10-year major drought.
Clinical putting had been a feature of McIlroy’s final round up to that point, but it all unravelled in the last three holes.
On both the 16th and 18th, the four-time major champion missed short putts to let DeChambeau back in.
The American had been scrambling all day due to his wayward driving, and that trend continued into the closing hole.
Needing par to win, DeChambeau dragged his tee shot into the scrub and was forced to punch his ball back into play, only to find the sand.
Facing a tricky 50-metre bunker shot, the LIV Golf star rose to the occasion and stuck it within five feet.
He then held his nerve where McIlroy could not, sinking the putt to claim his second major title.
DeChambeau said after the round that his recovery from the sand on the 18th was “probably the best shot of my life”.
“I was just trying to land it pretty much where I landed it,” he said.
“I knew that was huge to get up and down to win this huge, prestigious championship.
“It’s the highlight of my life.”
DeChambeau finished at six-under for the week, with McIlroy in second place on five-under.
American stars Patrick Cantlay and Tony Finau finished a shot further back in a tie for third, with France’s Matthieu Pavon rounding out the top five at three-under.
US Open 2024 final results
- Bryson DeChambeau -6
- Rory McIlroy -5
- Patrick Cantlay -4
- Tony Finau -4
- Matthieu Pavon -3
- Hideki Matsuyama -2
- Russell Henley -1
- Xander Schauffele -1
- Sam Burns E
- Corey Conners E
- Davis Thompson E
