DeChambeau and Idol Payne Stewart Win U.S. Open at Pinehurst 25 Years Apart

This week at Pinehurst brought so much to the 124^th U.S. Open. From an ace to make the cut to DeChambeau winning his second title in Payne Stewart-like fashion, let’s dive into the major storylines.

DeChambeau’s Connection to Payne Stewart

DeChambeau battled it out today to beat Rory McIlroy by one shot for the title. McIlroy was heating up throughout the day but missed a 3-foot-9-inch putt on 18 for par and lost the lead.

Though Bryson hit his 18^th tee shot to the left and had to not only crouch to avoid a tree in his backswing but also hit a certain line to avoid a large tree root by his ball, he managed to get an up-and-down from a 55-yard sand shot, notoriously one of the most difficult shots in golf.

Payne Stewart has been DeChambeau’s inspiration for years. They both attended SMU and DeChambeau emulated Stewart’s style, especially with the cap. DeChambeau not only wore a ball marker on the back of his hat today that showed Stewart’s iconic pose from his win at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst in 1999, but he also switched caps during the award ceremony to further honor his idol.

This is DeChambeau’s second major title, and while his parents were able to celebrate virtually with him after he won the U.S. Open at Winged Foot in 2020, he unfortunately was not able to share today in person with his late father. DeChambeau dedicated today’s win to his dad and graciously wished all the fathers in the stands well during this bittersweet holiday for him.

DeChambeau’s connection with his fans was talked about nonstop. After joining LIV Golf and starting his own YouTube channel, DeChambeau has said he feels more like himself, especially after some mentoring from his teammates. He loves sharing his experience with the crowd and fed off their energy this week. During the award ceremony, he said, “You are the best fans in the world, and I can’t thank you enough.”

As a final accomplishment to add to DeChambeau’s resume today, he is only one of four players to have won the U.S. Amateur and then more than one U.S. Open title, meaning he has joined the ranks of Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in golf history.

McIlroy’s Latest Major Slips Through His Hands on 18

With all the rumors swirling around McIlroy, it could have been a surprise or a no-brainer that he was in contention. After a tumultuous month where McIlroy filed for divorce, was rumored to have struck up a relationship with a well-known media member and then announced just before teeing off at the U.S. Open that he and his wife have reconciled their differences, McIlroy could have been overwhelmed with personal issues or fired up to prove a point. He chose the latter.

Losing the lead on the 72^nd hole of the U.S. Open was heartbreaking. McIlroy has been waiting 10 years for another major title, and to lose by one stroke after missing a short – yet tricky – downhill putt must have been devastating. Usually a fan-first type of player as well, McIlroy understandably declined to interview after DeChambeau won.

Neal Shipley Wins Low Amateur

Neal Shipley of Ohio State – who we saw in NCAA Match Play just a couple weeks ago – finished his season strong.

Not only did he win Low Amateur at the U.S. Open this year, but he also did so at the Masters in April, making him one of only six players to have finished low amateur at two majors in one year. He joins Ken Venturi, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar and Viktor Hovland with that record.

Shipley says, “It’s been wild. To accomplish all of this has been phenomenal and the stuff of dreams as an amateur. I think I’ve checked all the boxes now.”

Shipley shot a 6-over-286 this week and was one of the three amateurs to make the cut. Florida State’s Luke Clanton and recent Kansas graduate Gunnar Broin. 16 amateurs were in the field, including the news phenom high school teacher Colin Prater and several other college players.

Earlier This Week at the U.S. Open