Bryson DeChambeau is a US Open champion for a second time after beating Rory McIlroy by one shot and prolonging the Northern Irishman’s decade-long wait for a fifth major title by at least another month in the most agonising fashion at Pinehurst No 2. The 30-year-old American, one of only a dozen players from the rebel LIV Golf series in the 156-player field, frittered away a three-shot overnight lead before rallying from two strokes down on a dramatic back nine, holding his nerve in a contest of extreme psychological intensity that will leave McIlroy ruing a series of unforced errors in the final reel. McIlroy missed two straightforward putts over the last three holes, including for par from less than four feet on the 72nd, that left DeChambeau needing only par for the title.
The 2020 champion caught a tree root with his drive and sent a second shot into a bunker way short of the green, but chopped his third shot to within four feet, where he rolled it home before jumping around the green in jubilation. US Open: Bryson DeChambeau holds off Rory McIlroy to win title – live reaction Read more The 2020 champion signed for a one-over 71 to finish six-under for the week and one better than McIlroy in the 124th playing of America’s national championship that surely will rank among its most unforgettable. He became only the fifth player since the second world war to win the US Open more than once aged 30 or younger, joining a roll of honour including Jack Nicklaus.
