Bryson DeChambeau Secures Second U.S. Open Title as Rory McIlroy Stumbles

Bryson DeChambeau claimed his second U.S. Open title on Sunday at Pinehurst in a dramatic finish that saw Rory McIlroy falter on two short putts in the final three holes.

McIlroy, holding a one-stroke lead on the 16th green, missed a 30-inch putt for par, dropping him back into a tie for the lead. According to Justin Ray of the Twenty First Group, the 35-year-old had been perfect on putts inside three feet, with a record of 496-for-496, before that miss.

The situation worsened for McIlroy on the final hole, where he lipped out a three-foot, nine-inch putt for par, dropping him to 5-under. Meanwhile, DeChambeau was off the side of the 18th fairway, positioned behind a tree root. He managed to advance the ball into the bunker short of the green and executed a brilliant bunker shot to four feet from the hole.

DeChambeau sank the putt, igniting a celebration as he became the fifth player aged 30 or younger to win two U.S. Open titles since World War II. He joins an elite group, including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Bobby Jones, who have won both a U.S. Amateur and multiple U.S. Open titles.

This event marked McIlroy’s closest approach to a major victory since his PGA Championship win in 2014. Despite entering the final five holes with a two-shot lead, he made three bogeys, losing his top spot. This mirrored his performance from the previous day, where he played the final four holes in a combined 5-over.

McIlroy declined to speak with the media after the conclusion of the tournament. He is now the first player since 1910 to have six consecutive 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.