Bryson DeChambeau secured his second U.S. Open title in a thrilling conclusion at Pinehurst on Sunday, as Rory McIlroy faltered on two crucial short putts in the final three holes.
McIlroy, holding a one-stroke lead on the 16th green, missed a 30-inch putt for par, falling back into a tie for the top spot. Before this miss, the 35-year-old had a perfect record on putts inside three feet, going 496-for-496, according to Justin Ray of the Twenty First Group.
On the final hole, McIlroy lipped out a three-foot, nine-inch putt for par, dropping back to 5-under. This crucial miss occurred while DeChambeau was positioned in a difficult spot behind a tree root off the 18th fairway. Despite the tough position, DeChambeau advanced the ball into the bunker short of the green and executed a brilliant bunker shot to within four feet.
DeChambeau then sank the putt, sparking a raucous celebration. With this victory, he became only the fifth man aged 30 or younger to win two U.S. Open titles since World War II.
DeChambeau now joins an elite group of golfers—Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Bobby Jones—who have won both a U.S. Amateur and multiple U.S. Open titles.
This tournament marked McIlroy’s closest contention in a major since his last win at the PGA Championship in 2014. Entering the final five holes with a two-shot lead, he made three bogeys, falling out of the top spot. Over the final four holes on both Saturday and Sunday, McIlroy played a combined 5-over.
McIlroy, who did not speak to the media after the finish, became the first golfer since 1910 to achieve six straight top-10 finishes in the U.S. Open without a victory.
Tony Finau posted the lowest round of the day, finishing in a tie for third with Patrick Cantlay, while Matthieu Pavon secured fifth place.
