PINEHURST — Like the U.S. Open 25 years ago won with an iconic, 15-foot par putt by Payne Stewart, the 124th edition of golf’s national championship at Pinehurst No. 2 produced the best winner possible.
Bryson DeChambeau was the best player in the field throughout the tournament, even if Rory McIlroy provided a fantastic Sunday afternoon challenge before melting down on the greens with the title on the line.
OK, he shot 1-over-par 71 in the final round — his only round of the tournament not in the 60s. But his 55-yeard bunker shot at the 72nd hole was special, especially considering the circumstances. DeChambeau blasted out as if he were greenside. The ball soared high, landed soft and released toward the back of the 18th green, stopping within 4 feet of the hole.
“That bunker shot was the shot of my life,” said DeChambeau, who like the popular Stewart attended Southern Methodist University.
Then DeChambeau converted the winning putt from about the same distance McIlroy, who had seemed to be in the driver’s seat, had missed from only a few minutes before.
Most important, DeChambeau’s victory makes it more critical for the PGA Tour to come to terms with the LIV Tour’s stars. There’s no way the PGA Tour can snub its nose at the LIV when the U.S. Open champion as well as Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith and Brooks Koepka play there.
Plus, the LIV has other marquee players such as Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Joaquin Riemann, Tyrrell Hatton and Henrik Stenson, who enjoy worldwide popularity.
Now, DeChambeau has skyrocketed to a new star level. And his victory Sunday, wasn’t the only reason. During the round, the oft-described mechanical man showed genuine enthusiasm, often gesturing to the crowd.
When the victory was over, he seems genuinely humble and thankful. For example, he not only signed an autograph for a kid in the parking lot, but told others to wait for his official post-victory duties to conclude and he’d sign more. He repeatedly thanked friends, family and supporters.
DeChambeau seems ready to embrace a new role as an ambassador. He spoke about his past struggles with the wrist injury in 2022 that threatened his career. He thanked numerous friends and advisors. He showed empathy for McIlroy, who quickly left the course without comment.
Can his victory help form an agreement between pro golf’s rival tours, allowing all the game’s stars to play regularly against each other? DeChambeau paused several seconds before answering.
“If I’m to be quite frank, I hope we can figure things out quickly,” he said. “I hope this can bridge the gap between a divided game …
“You can say what’s happened in the past, you know, you were part of the reason… Let bygones be bygones and go figure it out. Let’s figure out this amazing game that creates so much positivity back to where it belongs.”
There has to be a deal. The PGA Tour is still the game’s premier stage. The DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) is probably second.
As much as I support the LIV Tour’s right to exist and hail its success in producing much increased purses, huge off-course income and control of their own organization for PGA Tour members, I don’t watch LIV Golf. I don’t want to want to watch it. It’s not big-time competitive golf.
DeChambeau’s second U.S. Open victory should create the momentum needed for a PGA Tour-LIV agreement or arrangement said to be in the works for many months.
DeChambeau provides raw power. He’s big, he’s strong. He looks like a star. He’s embraced media outlets such as YouTube. With his outward emotional bursts Sunday, he seems eager to share his enthusiasm and have fun with galleries.
“All I want to do is entertain and do my best for the game of golf, execute and provide some awesome entertainment for the fans,” DeChambeau said. “From at least what I can tell, that’s what the fans want, and they deserve that.”
The best golfers are defined by their performances in major championships. In the first three majors this year, DeChambeau finished sixth in the Masters, second in the PGA Championship, and now, he has won the U.S. Open. So DeChambeau’s year has been hard to beat. Even for Scottie Scheffler, who has won five tournaments this year, including the Masters.
With his power and charism — and his unique, scientific approach to the game — DeChambeau is also colorful. What other player would change the face on his driver only a few minutes prior to the final round with a three-stroke lead?
DeChambeau’s willingness to cut across the grain in everything from fashion, equipment and bulking up him the most interesting player in the sport.
Golf is an individual sport that needs special personalities. Think Palmer, Nicklaus, Player, Trevino, Couples, and of course, Tiger Woods.
Nothing against official world No. 1 Scheffler, but putting on the orange jumpsuit and posing for a mugshot in Louisville probably helped move his popularity needle forward more than his long track record as a fantastic gentleman and ambassador for the sport. Scheffler and Rahm are unlikely to sell out galleries or create interest by young golfers.
DeChambeau can do that. Jordan Spieth had the potential. So did Rickie Fowler. But their times have apparently passed. Not to entirely dismiss Spieth, who won three titles and launched UnderArmour into a force in golf apparel, or Fowler, who powered the Puma golf brand.
DeChambeau has long been an intriguing and imposing player seemingly capable of dominance. He has shown his enthusiasm, thankfulness, humility and a desire to cater to golf fans.
Now, let’s hope his success and personality can provide an impetus for giving golf fans regular competitions open to all the world’s best.
