Tag: golf-majors

Bryson DeChambeau wins $4.3 million, see full U.S. Open payout bryson,dechambeau,wins,million,see,full,u,s,open,payout,sbnation,com,front-page,golf,us-open-golf,golf-majors,golf-pga-tour,golf-news,liv-golf

Bryson DeChambeau wins 43 million see full US Open payout
On: By: admin


After two top 10s at the Masters and PGA Championship, Bryson DeChambeau came out on top at the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The LIV Golf captain held off Rory McIlroy, thanks to a phenomenal bunker shot he had on the 18th. His par save on the last gave DeChambeau the win by one, as he took home his second U.S. Open title since 2020.

His bank account will see $4.3 million added to it because of his win.

Funny enough, DeChambeau’s remarkable par save on 18 reminded many of his hero, Payne Stewart, who holed an 18-footer to win in 1999. Granted, DeChambeau’s par attempt was a little shorter than Stewart’s, but it was a special moment for the former SMU golfer.

In his three major championship starts this season, DeChambeau has won a total of $6,993,000. His tie for 6th at the Masters awarded him with $695,000. He then took home $1,998,000 for placing second at the PGA Championship and won $4,300,000 this week at the U.S. Open.

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

McIlory’s solo second place did earn him $2,322,000, bringing his season total to $10,034,665, which puts him third behind Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler.

Ludvig Åberg tied for 12th with Sergio Garcia and added $409,279 to his bank account. The Swedish phenom now sits fifth on the PGA Tour money list for the 2024 season, as he has earned a total of $7,686,998 to date.

Let’s check out how much each player made this week at Pinehurst.

U.S. Open Prize Money Payout:

1: Bryson DeChambeau: $4,300,000
2: Rory McIlroy: $2,322,000
T3: Tony Finau: $1,229,051
T3: Patrick Cantlay: $1,229,051
5: Matthieu Pavon: $843,765
6: Hideki Matsuyama: $748,154
T7: Russell Henley: $639,289
T7: Xander Schauffele: $639,289
T9: Sam Burns: $502,391
T9: Davis Thompson: $502,391
T9: Corey Conners: $502,391
T12: Sergio Garcia: $409,279
T12: Ludvig Åberg: $409,279
T14: Thomas Detry: $351,581
T14: Collin Morikawa: $351,581
T16: Tommy Fleetwood: $299,218
T16: Akshay Bhatia: $299,218
T16: Taylor Pendrith: $299,218
T19: Shane Lowry: $255,759
T19: Aaron Rai: $255,759
T21: Max Greyserman: $203,607
T21: Daniel Berger: $203,607
T21: Min Woo Lee: $203,607
T21: Stephan Jaeger: $203,607
T21: Brian Harman: $203,607
T26: Brooks Koepka: $153,281
T26: Zac Blair: $153,281
T26: Chris Kirk: $153,281
T26: Neal Shipley (a): $0
T26: Tom Kim: $153,281
T26: Tyrrell Hatton: $153,281
T32: Adam Scott: $126,901
T32: Si Woo Kim: $126,901
T32: Sahith Theegala: $126,901
T32: Keegan Bradley: $126,901
T32: Isaiah Salinda: $126,901
T32: Christiaan Bezuidenhout: $126,901
T32: Cameron Smith: $126,901
T32: J.T. Poston: $126,901
T32: Denny McCarthy:$126,901
T41: Frankie Capan III: $72,305
T41: Harris English: $72,305
T41: Jordan Spieth: $72,305
T41: Scottie Scheffler: $72,305
T41: Tom McKibbin: $72,305
T41: Tim Widing: $72,305
T41: Emiliano Grillo: $72,305
T41: Billy Horschel:$72,305
T41: Luke Clanton (a): $0
T50: Justin Lower: $51,065
T50: Matt Kuchar: $51,065
T50: Nicolai Højgaard: $51,065
T50: Mark Hubbard: $51,065
54: Nico Echavarria: $47,370
55: David Puig: $46,501
T56: S.H. Kim: $44,546
T56: Ben Kohles: $44,546
T56: Ryan Fox: $44,546
T56: Sepp Straka: $44,546
T56: Greyson Sigg: $44,546
T56: Brian Campbell: $44,546
T56: Adam Svensson: $44,546
T56: Wyndham Clark: $44,546
T64: Matthew Fitzpatrick: $42,155
T64: Francesco Molinari: $42,155
T64: Martin Kaymer: $42,155
T67: Cameron Young: $41,286
T67: Brendon Todd: $41,286
69: Dean Burmester: $40,417
T70: Gunner Broin (a): $0
T70: Brandon Wu: $39,548
72: Sam Bennett: $39,548
73: Jackson Suber:$39,113

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.

U.S. Open: Rory McIlroy squeals out of Pinehurst after heartbreak u,s,open,rory,mcilroy,squeals,out,of,pinehurst,after,heartbreak,sbnation,com,front-page,golf,us-open-golf,golf-majors,golf-pga-tour,golf-news

On: By: admin


Rory McIlroy left Pinehurst No. 2 as soon as Bryson DeChambeau putted out for a one stroke victory.

Multiple reporters on the ground saw McIlroy bolt right for his courtesy car and leave the golf course as fast as he could. Alan Bastable of Golf.com caught it on video.

McIlroy did not conduct any media interviews, nor did he speak to anyone from NBC Sports.

McIlroy could not stomach his latest major championship heartbreak, with this one hurting more than all the other ones combined.

He looked completely dejected in the scoring room afterward, and understandably so.

The Northern Irishman stood on the tee at the par-3 15th hole at 8-under par, with DeChambeau trailing him by one. But he airmailed the green with a 7-iron, which led to a bogey four. His demise would get worse from there.

On the next hole, McIlroy had a 2-foot-6-inch putt for par and inexplicably missed. His second straight bogey dropped him back to 6-under for the championship and into a tie with DeChambeau with two holes to play.

After making an up-and-down to save par on 17, McIlroy pulled his drive left into the native area on 18, drawing a poor lie with wiregrass right in front of his ball. He then hit his second shot just short of the green, barely escpaing the sand trap that guards the front of the putting surface. McIlroy played his third shot to 3-feet-9-inches behind the hole, and like he did on 16, he missed that putt too.

Just like that, McIlroy dropped three shots over his final four holes as his collapse at the 124th U.S. Open will live on forever.

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.

U.S. Open: Bryson DeChambeau among 5 best dressed players u,s,open,bryson,dechambeau,among,best,dressed,players,sbnation,com,golf,us-open-golf,golf-majors,golf-pga-tour,golf-opinions,liv-golf

US Open Bryson DeChambeau among 5 best dressed players usopenbrysondechambeauamongbestdressedplayerssbnationcomgolfus open golfgolf majorsgolf pga tourgolf opinionsliv golf
On: By: admin


One of the emerging niches in professional golf is fashion. What these PGA Tour and LIV Golf players wear continues to spark intense discussions on social media.

That said, fashion is a subjective topic with no right answer.

The 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 saw mostly traditional vibes from the players, but some took risks. Sergio Garcia did so with his fashion, but none looked great. Meanwhile, Hideki Matsuyama wore stripped polos all four days, and those did not delight the eyes, either.

Not all those risks paid off, but some do.

Nevertheless, after the first two rounds, we gave you a list of five players, but how many of those players made the final cut?

To make this final list, plenty of variables are considered, including fit, coloring, details, and risk level. But the player must compete in all four rounds, too. Those who missed the cut are not eligible.

So, without further ado, check out the five best-dressed golfers from Pinehurst No. 2.

5. Ludvig Åberg

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Ludvig Åberg dropped from second to fifth on this list because he wore navy again on Sunday.

Granted, it was a sharp outfit, but seeing him in a different color would have been great. Give the people some pink or lavender moments, Åberg; your skin tone is perfect for it.

When he brought out the green on Saturday, it was a huge win. That color looks fantastic on his skin tone and is unique. Navy is a great color most of the time, but seeing it repeatedly gets boring.

Ranking: 8/10

4. Min Woo Lee

U.S. Open, Min Woo Lee

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Coming out of nowhere to land in the fourth spot is Min Woo Lee. The Lululemon scripting was on fire this week. He gave four strong looks, but this blue from Thursday and his Sunday outfit were the favorites.

Yes, they are pretty neutral, but the sunglasses and the flow—he has a high level of confidence about him. Lee knows what colors look good on him, and each week, Lululemon makes him look incredible. The only note is for him to branch out with the pants, but other than that, Lee cooked on the golf fashion front.

Ranking: 9/10

3. Collin Morikawa

U.S. Open, Collin Morikawa

Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

Surprise! Another Adidas athlete on the best-dressed list is Collin Morikawa. From Thursday’s peach vibes to this fantastic green and blue moment, the two-time major winner put together four solid days of outfits.

This blue goes so well with that shade of green, so it was great to see him put on the brighter pants with it. All four days were strong for Morikawa, but Thursday and Sunday were the best moments.

Ranking: 9.5/10

2. Rory McIlroy

U.S. Open, Rory McIlory

Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Rory McIlroy finished the U.S. Open in heartbreaking fashion, and this loss will likely sting for a while. However, the Northern Irishman looked clean all four days. That light blue on Sunday was a great choice for his skin tone.

The pants were pretty dull, but it is hard not to have him on this list when all four days were tailored correctly, and he did not repeat too much. If he had given us a bright pant on Sunday, that would have elevated him into the No. 1 spot.

Regardless, he gave four great looks that most golfers would enjoy wearing.

Rating: 9.8/10

1. Bryson DeChambeau

U.S. Open, Bryson DeChambeau

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Bryson DeChambeau is the 124th U.S. Open winner. His incredible up-and-down on 18 will go down in the history books as one of the best shots ever. But his outfits were fantastic as well. The look on Saturday was the best because the pants were a different shade of blue.

DeCahmbeau’s peach floral polo was a good color for those pants, making him look even more tan. The look was clean but just bold enough to be remembered.

U.S. Open, Bryson DeChambeau

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Then on Sunday, his small stripped polo looked a touch busy on the screen, but seeing the belt and shade of pants, it is hard to give the best-dressed title to anyone else. DeChambeau won the crowds over and showed how fun golf can be, which also came through in his fashion.

His outfits backed up the impressive golf. His color scheme went together each day, and the cohesion was perfect. Even though DeChambeau gave us something different, it all went together.

Rating: 10/10

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.

U.S. Open: Bryson DeChambeau’s epic par trumped by Johnson Wagner u,s,open,bryson,dechambeau,s,epic,par,trumped,by,johnson,wagner,sbnation,com,front-page,golf,us-open-golf,golf-majors,golf-pga-tour,golf-news,liv-golf

On: By: admin


Did Johnson Wagner win the U.S. Open?

He might have.

After Bryson DeChambeau triumphed over Rory McIlroy in epic fashion at Pinehurst No. 2, Wagner, now a Golf Channel legend, decided to re-enact the best shot of the day: DeChambeau’s third from the sand on 18.

During the tournament, DeChambeau faced a 55-yard shot from the bunker, a daunting shot often regarded as the most difficult in professional golf. DeChambeau proceeded to execute it perfectly with a 55-degree wedge, stuffing his approach to four feet. He then made the putt for par, thus clinching his second U.S. Open title.

About two hours later, after DeChambeau paraded around Pinehurst No. 2, embracing all the fans, Wagner picked that shot for his famous demonstration.

Mind you, Wagner has become a golf celebrity in recent months simply because of these short segments. Since The Players Championship in March, Wagner, on live television, has: hummed balls into the side of a hill, roped a punch shot off a tree, climbed into the woods to asses a Xander Schauffele ruling, twice got the yips on air, and then, this week, he walked through why Tony Finau and Ludvig Åberg collapsed on the 13th hole.

But nothing could top what he did on Sunday.

After rocketing an attempt over the green, DeChambeau pulled up to the spot where he played his now-famous shot and embraced Wagner. Then, DeChambeau told Wagner to hit another one, with the champion as a witness. He also provided some insight on how to play the shot.

With a 50-degree wedge in hand, Wagner hit a perfect chunk and run. His ball landed on the green and rolled towards the cup, just as DeChambeau’s did in regulation.

But Wagner’s ball stopped even closer than DeChambeau’s, which elicited a massive celebration from the now-reigning U.S. Open champion and Golf Channel’s newest, and now, biggest star.

Considering Wagner’s trials and tribulations on live television this year, he celebrated this shot with authority. DeChambeau even handed him the trophy, which Wagner jokingly accepted with a big smile on his face.

Live From the U.S. Open has always been the go-to show for golf fans before, during, and after major championships, but Wagner’s presence has made that even more so.

So congratulations on winning the 124th U.S. Open, Johnson Wagner. You deserve it.

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.

U.S. Open: Bryson DeChambeau’s win has fans singing his praises u,s,open,bryson,dechambeau,s,win,has,fans,singing,his,praises,sbnation,com,front-page,golf,us-open-golf,golf-majors,golf-fan-reactions,liv-golf

On: By: admin


Bryson DeChambeau is now a two-time U.S. Open champion as he conquered Pinehurst No. 2 in epic fashion on Sunday.

DeChambeau hit an incredible 55-yard bunker shot that rolled to three feet on the 18th hole. He then made his par putt just like Payne Stewart famously did 25 years ago. That final putt put the finishing touches on a 1-over 71, which had him finishing at 6-under-par, one stroke ahead of Rory McIlroy.

When DeChambeau needed his best, he provided it in the biggest moment. That bunker shot may go down as one of the greatest in golf history, given the difficulty and the circumstances. If he had not executed that shot the way he did, there could have been a playoff, at least.

Nevertheless, the LIV Golf captain won the crowd over this week at Pinehurst.

Chants of USA-USA-USA and De-Cham-beau, De-Cham-beau, De-Cham-beau whistled across the course. The fans loved him, and DeChambeau’s image change seems complete.

After he won, social media messages flourished. Fans praised the two-time U.S. Open winner for his performance on the course and for his remarkable display of talent.

All DeChambeau wants to do is grow golf.

These reactions to his winning the U.S. Open showed he is already achieving that goal:

This video of him running around with the U.S. Open trophy so the crowd could touch it is priceless. He told fans to try and touch it, so DeChambeau attempted to make it happen. Not everyone gets to feel the U.S. Open trophy, but DeChambeau may not have won without this crowd.

Golf influencer Paige Spiranac said it perfectly, “Such amazing golf, drama and entertainment! This is what golf needs.”

This sport needs a personality like DeChambeau.

ESPN’s Jeff Darlington also made a good point about DeChambeau—he is a needle mover. People flock to him and get excited when the LIV Golf star does well.

Even Brooks Koepka congratulated his fellow LIV Golf member.

DeChambeau now has two U.S. Open’s—only the 23rd player in history to achieve this, and he did so dramatically. Better yet, he joins Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods in winning a U.S. Amateur title and multiple U.S. Opens. That’s pretty good company.

The third major of the year did not disappoint, and much like the PGA Championship, DeChambeau continues to show how incredible golf can be.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.

U.S. Open: Bryson DeChambeau outlasts Rory McIlroy, wins u,s,open,bryson,dechambeau,outlasts,rory,mcilroy,wins,sbnation,com,front-page,golf,us-open-golf,golf-majors,golf-pga-tour,golf-news

On: By: admin


Words can barely describe the scenes that played out down the stretch at Pinehurst No. 2 on Sunday.

But in the end, Bryson DeChambeau emerged victorious, winning his second U.S. Open title in four years. He shot a 1-over 71 on Sunday, needing every single stroke to outlast Rory McIlroy by one.

It all came down to the 18th hole, where McIlroy, in the group ahead of DeChambeau, missed a 3-foot-9-inch par putt to drop down to 5-under for the championship. Had that putt dropped, McIlroy likely would have forced a playoff with DeChambeau, who stood in the fairway at 6-under.

DeChambeau made a brilliant par save to seize the title. His drive went way left off the tee and settled on a root under a tree. He then scuttled his second shot up and into the bunker 50 yards short of the green, greatly diminishing his chances of saving par.

Yet, he got the job done. DeChambeau hit a wonderful third shot from the sand, as it stopped four feet away from the cup. He called it the greatest shot of his life during the ceremony afterward.

DeChambeau then went on to roll it in for par, much unlike McIlroy minutes before.

Meanwhile, this loss will hurt McIlroy for years to come. He had a terrific chance to seize his first major in a decade and held a two-shot lead at one point on the back nine. But his putter went completely cold over the final three holes. He missed a 2-foot-6-inch putt on the 16th hole, which not only horrified everyone watching but also put him in a tie with DeChambeau at 6-under. McIlroy also made a bogey on the par-3 15th after air-mailing the green.

Then his misstep at 18 happened, giving DeChambeau the opportunity to make par and win the U.S. Open.

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.

U.S. Open: Scottie Scheffler to re-consider 2025 plans after tough week u,s,open,scottie,scheffler,to,re,consider,plans,after,tough,week,sbnation,com,golf,us-open-golf,golf-majors,golf-pga-tour,golf-news

US Open Scottie Scheffler to re consider 2025 plans after tough
On: By: admin


Scottie Scheffler could not make a putt at the 124th U.S. Open, which helps explain why he made only four birdies over his four rounds.

He called it a “frustrating” week after he finished up on Sunday, adding that it was “long.” Indeed, Scheffler arrived at Pinehurst No. 2 fresh off a victory at the Memorial, his fifth win of the 2024 season. But Jack Nicklaus’ course played so tough, that many players compared it to a major championship.

That level of difficulty takes a lot out of a player, let alone the best golfer in the world, especially going into a U.S. Open. Hence, Scheffler will re-evaluate whether or not he will play in the weeks before majors going forward.

“I think playing the week before, a lot of it depends on the golf course, but I think last week with the golf course the way it was, it probably was not the best prep work for me coming into another challenging event,” Scheffler said Sunday.

Scottie Scheffler walks up the 18th hole during the third round of the 2024 U.S. Open.
Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA Tour via Getty Images

“I shot 5-under during the first round at the Memorial, which would have been the easiest day, and after that, I was 3-under from there on out. I mean, that’s pretty U.S. Open-like, and to play that many rounds, especially with what I’ve been dealing with the weeks leading up or the whole season, been playing a lot of good golf and being in contention, I think maybe my prep would have been a little bit better for this week if I was at home.”

Of course, Scheffler has had a lot happen in his life off the golf course in recent months. His arrest at the PGA Championship quickly became national news and an internet sensation. He and his wife, Meredith, also welcomed a baby boy on May 8, only nine days before he found himself in a jail cell in Louisville, Kentucky.

After that, he played in the Charles Schwab Challenge, where a remarkable tragedy happened in the middle of the tournament. Then, Scheffler skipped the RBC Canadian Open and made his next start at the Memorial.

“I’m obviously not going to skip Jack’s tournament,” Scheffler added.

“It’s a tournament I love playing. It’s a tournament that I’m humbled to be the champion at.”

Before this season, Nicklaus staged the Memorial Tournament during the first weekend of June, with the first practice round coinciding with Memorial Day.

The PGA Tour pushed it back one week this year, hoping to give golf fans three straight weeks of top-level golf. After the Memorial, the world’s best went straight to Pinehurst No. 2, and then, next week, the top players on the PGA Tour will head to the Travelers Championship, the final Signature Event of the season. Nicklaus hopes that his tournament will revert to its prior schedule, and surely, Scheffler feels the same.

“I think in terms of prep work for a week that I know is going to be as tough as this, I’m leaning towards maybe not playing the week before,” Scheffler added after Saturday’s round.

Scottie Scheffler, Tom McKibbin, U.S. Open

Scottie Scheffler and Tom McKibbin during the final round of the 2024 U.S. Open.
Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images

“Going into the major championships, especially the ones we know are going to be really challenging, it may be in my best interest not to play the week before.”

Scheffler echoed this sentiment after his Sunday round, too.

“As far as prep for this week, it may not have been the best, but I knew what my schedule was at the beginning of the year. I had it set,” Scheffler said.

“That was always the way it was going to be. I feel like going forward, I’ll maybe do things a little bit differently in the weeks leading up to majors, especially when you know it’s going to be a challenging setup at a U.S. Open.”

Perhaps the PGA Tour will change the date of the Memorial back to its traditional date on the heels of Memorial Day next season. But maybe it does not. Either way, Scheffler looks like he will take the week off before major championships, especially before U.S. Opens, in 2025 and beyond.

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.

LIV Golf: Sergio Garcia needs to replace horrible uniforms liv,golf,sergio,garcia,needs,to,replace,horrible,uniforms,sbnation,com,golf,us-open-golf,golf-majors,golf-opinions,liv-golf

LIV Golf Sergio Garcia needs to replace horrible uniforms livgolfsergiogarcianeedstoreplacehorribleuniformssbnationcomgolfus open golfgolf majorsgolf opinionsliv golf
On: By: admin


Sergio Garcia has had an impressive week at the U.S. Open. He opened the championship with a 1-under 69, then carded a pair of 1-over 71s to make the cut and remain in the mix throughout the weekend.

But what Garcia has worn this week has been a sight to behold. Garcia captains Fireballs GC, the LIV Golf team that employs Mexican Abraham Ancer and fellow Spaniards Eugenio Chacarra and David Puig. As such, he wore his team uniforms throughout the championship at Pinehurst No. 2.

Players can wear whatever they want or whatever their apparel sponsor chooses.

But if there is one takeaway from Garcia’s performance this week, it is that his Fireballs GC needs new uniforms.

On Thursday, Garcia repped a bright red shirt and a white hat with his team’s logo plastered on his chest and cap.

Sergio Garcia during the first round of the 2024 U.S. Open.
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

His first-round wardrobe was not terrible, at least relative to what he wore on the subsequent days. But it most certainly popped out. He had a similar outfit for Sunday’s final round, too.

Yet, his first and final round fits paled in comparison to what he wore on Friday. Garcia pulled out a pair of bright red slacks, a color similar to the shirt he donned on Thursday. He matched that with a white shirt and white hat, which featured the Fireballs GC logo.

Sergio Garcia, U.S. Open

Sergio Garcia lines up a putt during the second round.
Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Then, on Saturday, Garcia ditched the red altogether and decided to go with another color.

He wore a bright yellow shirt, coupled with a pair of white pants. He went with a black cap to round out his look.

Sergio Garcia, U.S. Open

Sergio Garcia on the 4th hole during the third round.
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

Of course, Garcia’s yellow shirt immediately brought back memories of yesteryear, when he wore yellow during the final round of the 2006 Open Championship. He tied for fifth that year, as Tiger Woods went on to win at Royal Liverpool. Garcia then lost to Padraig Harrington in a playoff at Carnoustie one year later.

Sergio Garcia, The Open

Sergio Garcia plays a shot during the final round of the 2006 Open Championship.
Photo by John McHugh/Getty Images

He will not get that close this year at Pinehurst No. 2, but he still had a respectable performance this week. Garcia made it into the field as a first alternate, thanks to his strong play in final qualifying.

This week also marked his 24th straight U.S. Open appearance, an impressive feat for the 2017 Masters champion. But his wardrobe has been anything but that, as his Fireballs GC squad should get new uniforms, perhaps in time for The Open Championship.

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.

U.S. Open: Rory McIlroy can beat Bryson DeChambeau, but how? u,s,open,rory,mcilroy,can,beat,bryson,dechambeau,but,how,sbnation,com,front-page,golf,us-open-golf,golf-majors,golf-pga-tour,golf-news,liv-golf

US Open Rory McIlroy can beat Bryson DeChambeau but how
On: By: admin


After posting a 1-under 69 on Saturday, Rory McIlroy enters the final round at 4-under, trailing 54-hole leader Bryson DeChambeau by three strokes.

Despite the deficit, McIlroy feels confident that he can get the job done and win his first major championship since 2014. So, what does McIlroy need to do to win the 124th U.S. Open?

First, he will need some help from DeChambeau. If DeChambeau shoots anything lower than a 1-under 69, the championship is his. The former SMU Mustang has carded three straight rounds in the 60s, so for him to fire another under-par score is not out of the question but rather the likeliest of possibilities.

Bryson DeChambeau on the 18th hole on Saturday.
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

Still, DeChambeau has fought some left misses off the tee. He has also taken some aggressive lines, most of them paying off to this point. But one bad bounce here or another unfortunate bounce there can lead to a double-bogey, which would bring McIlroy and company back into the fray.

Nonetheless, what can McIlroy control?

First, he has to be patient. If he goes flag hunting on this course, Pinehurst No. 2 will clap back and bite him in the ass. Trying to push to make birdies and taking aggressive lines can lead to bogies or worse quickly, especially with some of these diabolical pins tucked in the corners of these ‘Turtleback’ greens.

With that said, the 3rd and 5th holes present early birdie opportunities. I think he has to play those holes in 1-under, at a minimum. By the time he reaches the 6th tee, he needs to be at -5 overall.

Rory McIlroy, U.S. Open

Rory McIlroy on the 14th tee.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

He also needs to take advantage of the par-5 10th. Earlier in the week, I wrote about how par-5 scoring is imperative for McIlroy, something he has struggled with this season. But he must birdie both par-5s on Sunday to put pressure on DeChambeau. He failed to take advantage of the par-5s last year at the Los Angeles Country Club, even making a bogey on the 14th, a big reason why he lost by one. If you recall, Wyndham Clark birdied that par-5, thanks to his stellar 3-wood that found the green. That was the difference.

I would also add the shortened par-4 13th into the mix of holes McIlroy has to make a move on. Measuring only 325 yards on Sunday, McIlroy should uncork his driver and try and get it up by the green. The pin is right in the middle, but a large slope in front of it will ricochet shots off the front. That false front starts a mere feet before the cup, requiring exquisite precision with pitches and chips. McIlroy has the talent to get it close, as he did on Saturday at 13, but he will need to do that again on Sunday.

Finally, McIlroy will have to make some putts. He is currently 45th in strokes gained putting while playing beautifully from tee to green. If he can pick up a stroke on the field with his putter on Sunday, and perhaps hole a long-range bomb, he has a great chance.

But it all comes down to DeChambeau. If DeChambeau shoots 72 and McIlroy shoots 68, there you have it. Yet Bryson is the key piece to this puzzle, as it’s his championship to lose.

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.

Golf Talk Today: Look Bryson DeChambeau is great for professional golf golf,talk,today,look,bryson,dechambeau,is,great,for,professional,golf,sbnation,com,golf,us-open-golf,golf-majors,golf-pga-tour,golf-opinions,golf-news

On: By: admin


Welcome to Playing Through’s new morning ritual — Golf Talk Today.

Each morning will feature a Golf Talk Today, where the crew will discuss various elements throughout the PGA Tour, LPGA, LIV Golf, and more.

It’s Championship Sunday at the 124th U.S. Open.

Bryson DeChambeau leads by three shots ahead of the final 18 holes. His 3-under 67 was impressive to watch on Saturday. However, it was not his physical golf game that was the most intriguing; it was how he ultimately won over the crowd. They chanted USA-USA-USA like it was the Ryder Cup throughout his round on Saturday.

He may play for LIV Golf, but the fans love DeChambeau.

So brew a pot of coffee, grab some breakfast, and settle in as we discuss why DeChambeau is excellent for the game of golf.

Bryson DeChambeau’s U.S. Open performance is good for golf

People will likely always love or hate DeChambeau. Many still feel he is the same guy from a few years ago when he won his first U.S. Open in 2020. However, he is not the same guy — physically or mentally.

He brings such excitement to the event. DeChambeau interacts with the crowd. The 30-year-old stopped mid-round and signed a kid’s flag for wearing a flat cap.

DeChambeau has changed his outlook on the fans, and it has shown.

Golf needs a big personality like DeChambeau. His quirky, nerdy, and scientific approach to the game is who he is— it is not a front. Maybe since the casual golf fan only sees him four times a year, it is not as off-putting as it used to be.

Those who follow him know his social media content is personable and fun to watch. He shares his personality and who he is.

DeChambeau has blossomed into this guy that so many want to watch at the majors.

Growing the game is what so many in professional golf want to achieve, and DeChambeau does that.

The USA-USA-USA chants turned off some people on Saturday, but it felt like such a Ryder Cup atmosphere at a major championship. It is special. Love or hate him, the exposure DeChambeau brings to golf is far more important than who he plays for.

ICYMI: Top stories from the U.S. Open

Check out these stories:

U.S. Open Day 3 Winners, Losers: Bryson DeChambeau dominates, can Rory McIlroy win?

Tony Finau, Ludvig Åberg collapse on 13, kiss U.S. Open chances goodbye

Rory McIlroy feeling confident despite Bryson DeChambeau’s sizable U.S. Open lead

Scottie Scheffler’s putter abandons him, goes wrong way on U.S. Open leaderboard

PGA Tour, LIV Golf fans obsess over Cameron Smith’s unconditional polo at U.S. Open=

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.