DeChambeau muscles his way to US Open victory
A BULKED-UP Bryson DeChambeau bashed his way to a six-shot US Open victory yesterday, silencing any lingering questions as to whether his brawny game could translate to the major stage.
World No. 9 DeChambeau, who began the day two shots back of US. Open debutant Matthew Wolff, clinched his first major title with a mix of jaw-dropping drives and clutch putts, shooting a virtually flawless 3-under 67 to reach 6-under for the tournament.
“I did it. I did it. As difficult as this golf course was presented, I played it beautifully,” DeChambeau said of Winged Foot, on one of the hardest layouts the United States Golf Association has to offer.
Wolff (75), appearing in only his second major, was one shot back of DeChambeau at the turn but fell apart over a back nine that included two bogeys and a double-bogey.
A fearless DeChambeau, whose final round included an eagle, two birdies and a bogey, attacked at every chance and for his efforts was the only player to break par in the final round as he cruised to a maiden major at his 16th attempt.
So confident in his approach, DeChambeau unleashed his driver on practically every par-four and par-five hole as he figured the birdie chances would outweigh the risk that Winged Foot’s nasty rough creates.
“I hope that inspires people to say, hey, look, maybe there is a different way to do it,” said DeChambeau.
“Not everybody has to do it my way. I’m not saying that. I’m just saying in general that there are different ways to do things.”
DeChambeau grabbed the solo lead after five holes, hit a perfectly-paced 40-foot eagle putt at the ninth to maintain a one-shot cushion in a tournament that came down to a two-horse race between him and Wolff as they made the turn.
Yet the 21-year-old Wolff, who was bidding to become the first player to win the US Open on his tournament debut since Francis Ouimet in 1913, bogeyed the 10th and 14th holes before a double-bogey at 16.
“I battled hard. Things just didn’t go my way,” said Wolff. “But first US Open, second place is something to be proud of and hold your head up high for.” – Reuters