Bryson DeChambeau spoke from the heart following his dramatic Father’s Day win at the U.S. Open.
“This one’s for him,” said DeChambeau, referring to his father, Jon, who passed away in 2022.
The Clovis native and former star on the Junior Tour of Northern California, became the 23rd player to win at least two U.S. Opens thanks to yet another incredible up-and-down for par on the 72nd hole at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club’s Course No.2.
With Rory McIlroy already in the clubhouse with a total of 5-under 275, DeChambeau needed at least a par on 18 to win the title outright. Following a wayward drive into the waste area on the right, DeChambeau managed to get out but saw his second shot land in the massive greenside bunker.
DeChambeau went on to execute a perfect bunker shot from 54 yards out to 4 feet, the shot coming just 15 minutes after McIlroy, seeking his first major title in 10 years, lipped out a 4-foot par putt for his third bogey over his final four holes, dropping him one shot behind DeChambeau.
DeChambeau would sink the putt, leading to a roar in the grandstands.
“It was the best shot of my life,” DeChambeau said of his bunker magic. I was just trying to land it and run it up. This is a highlight of my life. I still can’t believe it.”
Now a resident of Texas, DeChambeau joined the likes of Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as winners of multiple U.S. Open titles. He also owns U.S. Amateur and NCAA individual crowns to go along with his National Open victories.
“I wanted to get this one done, especially at such a special place that means so much to me, SMU, my [late] dad, what Payne (Stewart, the 1999 winner at Pinehurst) meant to him, 1000th USGA championship. Stack them on top,” DeChambeau said. “I’ll forever be thankful that I’ve got longer wedges so I can hit it farther, get it up there next to the hole.”
During each of his rounds, DeChambeau interacted with many of the thousands of golf fans who flocked to see the world’s best on Donald Ross’ masterpiece. He welcomed the roars and high-fived with spectators as he walked between holes.
“What’s most impressive about Bryson is not that he hits the ball far,” said Matthieu Pavon, who played with DeChambeau in the final round. “I was amazed by the quality of the short game on 18. He’s a hell of a player. He has no weakness, and he’s a truly great champion.”