(LIV Golf) – U.S. Open trophy in hand, Bryson DeChambeau turned to the gallery surrounding the 18th green at Pinehurst on Sunday night and extended an invitation.
Actually, it was more of a demand. “Tonight, I want all of you guys somehow to touch this trophy,” he said. “I want you to experience what this feels like for me.
” And soon he tried his best to make it happen, walking slowly through a sea of supporters, putting the 18-inch tall sterling silver trophy within arm’s reach, fans shouting his name, offering congratulations, celebrating a victory as popular as any in recent memory in this 124-year-old championship. Battling Rory McIlroy in a back-nine duel, DeChambeau produced the “best shot of my life” out of a greenside bunker that nobody had successfully scrambled from all week, his 55-yard shot with a 55-degree wedge landing 4 feet from the pin. When he sank the par putt, the explosion of emotions ensued.
On a day when his usual deadly driver was off-kilter, DeChambeau survived thanks to a series of escapes and a bit of fortune with two short McIlroy missed putts down the stretch. His final-round 1-over 71, which left him with a winning total of 6 under, may not have been beautiful, but it was gutsy. And it was definitely entertaining.
It was also a Father’s Day win for his father Jon, who died 590 days ago after battling diabetes and other health issues. “This one’s for him,” said the son. It was a win for Payne Stewart, the 1999 U.
S. Open cha.
