Bryson DeChambeau hails epic bunker shot that broke Rory McIlroy's heart
Bryson DeChambeau claimed the 2024 US Open as world number three Rory McIlroy endured his latest heartbreak in a major championship.
Bryson DeChambeau hailed the greatest shot of his life after Rory McIlroy missed a golden opportunity to end his 10-year wait for a major title at the 2024 US Open.
Once again it was a heartbreaking end for the 35-year-old Northern Irishman.
The four-time major champion overhauled a three-shot deficit at Pinehurst No.2 on Sunday and led by two with five holes to play.
But inexplicably, McIlroy missed short par putts at the 16th and 18th holes to gift DeChambeau the opportunity to snatch the major.
And he did in style.
DeChambeau needed to par the 72nd hole to claim the US Open for the second time in his career.
He hit his tee shot at the par-four 18th way, way left into the sandy waste area and could only advance his golf ball into the fairway bunker some 54 yards away from the pin.
His remarkable third rolled to four feet and he converted.
"Rory was going on a heater," DeChambeau said.
"And he slipped up a couple on the way coming in, and I just kept staying the course, focused on trying to hit as many fairways as I could, even though I didn't.
"I was not great today with that.
"But I got out of trouble really well, and then, man, I can't believe that up-and-down on the last.
"That was overall probably the best shot of my life.
"I was just trying to land it pretty much where I landed it and run it out to the right.
"I remember Payne's [Stewart] putt and how it broke up there, and I knew that was obviously huge to get up-and-down to win this prestigious championship that will be the highlight of my life.
"I still can't believe it. It's unbelievable."
McIlroy looked crestfallen in the scorer's hut as the drama came to a crescendo.
And he reportedly refused to talk to media, making a swift exit from the property.
DeChambeau is now a two-time major champion.
He captured the 2020 US Open at Winged Foot at a time he had bulked up considerably in his pursuit to hit the ball farther.
DeChambeau celebrated wildly with the US fans on Sunday evening.
"Tonight I want all of you guys somehow, I want you guys to touch this trophy because I want you to experience what this feels like for me," he told the spectators.
"You were a part of this journey this week, and I want you to be a part of it for the after party."