Bryson DeChambeau said he had hit “the shot of my life” to escape a bunker before producing a composed putt to win the US Open 2024.
American DeChambeau hit a one-over 71 to finish on six under, one shot clear of Rory McIlroy after the world number two made three bogeys in his final four holes.
The 30-year-old had finished runner-up by the same margin to Xander Schauffele at the PGA Championship in May.
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“I didn’t want to finish second again,” said DeChambeau. “I wanted to get this one done, especially in a special place that means so much to me.
“That bunker shot was the shot of my life. It hasn’t fully sunk in yet but I really want everyone to enjoy this.
“I had an amazing up and down last. I don’t know what to say. It’s a dream come true. Rory’s one of the best ever to play and to be able to fight against a great like that is pretty special.”
One of the best moments of my lifePIC.TWITTER.COM/FE1PXKH1HF
— Bryson DeChambeau (@b_dechambeau) JUNE 16, 2024
US Open prize fund: DeChambeau earnings
McIlroy had been three behind DeChambeau overnight but led by two strokes with five holes remaining.
DeChambeau will pocket around £3.4 million ($4.3m) from a prize fund of £16.8m ($21.5m) which is a record for a major tournament.
The world number 38 has now earned almost $34.5m (£22.2m) across his career, according to Sportrac.
DeChambeau: US Open 2024 ‘fun’
“All I was focused on was myself,” said DeChambeau. “Once in a while, I could hear Rory chants about what he was doing.
“I knew what he did based on the roars. That was actually kind of fun, because it gave me the knowledge of what I had to do.
“In the back of my mind, my [late] dad was pushing me as well. My mission is to continue to grow the game domestically and globally.”
