DeChambeau wins for dead father
Thriller on the green: McIlroy misses out on US Open victory
17.06.2024, 07:50
Rory McIlroy already has one hand on the trophy at the US Open, one of the most important events in the golf world, when the superstar’s game fails him: McIlroy gives up a comfortable lead on the last holes, Bryson DeChambeau passes him and celebrates.
Bryson DeChambeau caressed the trophy like a little child and then quickly thought of his deceased father after his second victory at the US Open. “Happy Father’s Day to every father out there. Unfortunately, my dad died a few years ago. This is for him,” said the 30-year-old golf professional on Sunday (local time) after the dramatic victory in the US state of North Carolina. Northern Ireland’s golf star Rory McIlroy had lost a two-stroke lead on the last five holes and had to admit defeat once again, finishing one stroke behind. He has been waiting for the fifth major triumph of his career since 2014.
DeChambeau was also far from a clear victory, but reacted to his mistakes with magical shots. He placed his tee shot on hole 18 in such a way that he had to rescue the ball from a patch of tall grass next to the stands with a short distance to a tree root – and then found himself in the sand bunker. However, he then shone from a good 50 meters and brought the ball to the hole almost perfectly. “That was probably the best shot of my life. That was great. Winning this tournament is the highlight of my life,” said DeChambeau, who earns his money primarily on the LIV tour, which is financed by Saudi Arabia and is therefore controversial.
“That meant the world to me”
At his first and so far last victory in 2020, no spectators were allowed to attend due to the corona pandemic. Now DeChambeau sought a connection with the audience, repeatedly called for applause and triggered huge cheers in the stands of the difficult par-70 Pinehurst No.2 course with his converted putt. “I can’t thank you enough for the support, it meant the world to me,” he said in the winner’s interview. DeChambeau ultimately won with a round of 71. He finished the tournament six strokes under par.
McIlroy had already said goodbye to the scene. He had not allowed himself to make any mistakes on the green throughout the tournament – but then he failed twice from close range on the final holes. On the 14th hole he was still two strokes ahead and on hole 16 he was still one stroke ahead when he missed the hole from less than a meter. It was only because DeChambeau made several small errors that McIlroy had any hope of reaching the end. On the final hole he hit the tee shot himself but skilfully extricated himself from the predicament, only to miss again from about 80 centimeters away.
Stephan Jäger shot a round of 72 on the last day of the tournament. He finished the US Open in a shared 21st place. Things went a little better for former US Open winner Martin Kaymer on day four: One day after his round of 77, he shot a round of 73. With 13 strokes over par, he ended up in a shared 64th place. Ten years ago, Kaymer was the only German to win the US Open on the golf course, securing the second and so far last major title of his career. In 2022, like DeChambeau, he joined the LIV Tour.