Bryson DeChambeau has dramatically won the US Open at Pinehurst Resort after Rory McIlroy missed two short putts in the final three holes.
Although DeChambeau held a three-shot lead heading into the final round, the American found himself two shots adrift at one stage on Sunday as McIlroy threatened to end his 10-year wait for another major.
However, McIlroy followed a missed par putt from inside three feet at the 16th hole with a similar squandered chance on the last, seeing him drop to five-under.
At the time, all was not lost for the Northern Irishman. DeChambeau was left with an intimidating second shot on the 18th hole, with a root close to his ball and a tree over-hanging to hinder his back swing.
He would ultimately settle for finding a bunker approximately 50 yards from the pin before delivering a majestic shot to within four feet for victory.
Unlike McIlroy moments earlier, the 30-year-old confidently holed out to claim his second US Open crown, the first coming back in 2020.
THE BUNKER SHOT OF HIS CAREER!@b_dechambeau has this putt left to win the U.S. Open! pic.twitter.com/Vleb6k6PvO
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 16, 2024
Another major gets away from McIlroy
McIlroy may have failed to get over the line in several majors over the past decade, yet there will be an argument that this one will hurt the most.
Between holes nine and 13, McIlroy made four birdies to wrestle the lead from DeChambeau, who was struggling to find fairways and had little momentum on his side.
Nevertheless, a scrambled bogey on 15 from McIlroy gifted it back to the American, who could even afford a bogey at 16 with his own short putt.
On the last, a moment of brilliance from DeChambeau ultimately made the difference, yet McIlroy had not missed from inside three feet all season until the 16th hole. On the last, his miss was from 3ft 9ins.
Who finished elsewhere?
Patrick Cantlay contended for the majority of the day before having to settle for a share of third alongside American compatriot Tony Finau, the pair finishing two shots adrift of the winner.
Matthieu Pavon was fifth - his highest-ever finish in a major - while Hideki Matsuyama, Russell Henley and Xander Schauffele were the only other players to finish under-par.
Ludvig Aberg, who led at the halfway stage, concluded the tournament in 12th place alongside Sergio Garcia, with Tommy Fleetwood the top English finisher in 16th spot.
World number one Scottie Scheffler recorded a score in excess of 70 for the fourth successive round to finish in a share of 41st position.
Darren Plant
