Big-hitting DeChambeau wins first Major

MAMARONECK, September 21

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, one of the hardest layouts the US 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. The 27-year-old, who re-emerged from the PGA Tour’s three-month Covid-19 suspension in mid-June packing serious muscle and hitting a startling distance off the tee, attacked Winged Foot all week like few other golfers can. 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.

Former world No. 1 and four-time Major champion Rory McIlroy (75), who finished in a share of eighth place, was almost left in a state of disbelief at DeChambeau’s win given his inaccuracy off the tee at a tournament renowned for its thick rough. “I don’t really know what to say because that’s just the complete opposite of what you think a US Open champion does,” said McIlroy. “Look, he’s found a way to do it. Whether that’s good or bad for the game, I don’t know, but it’s just — it’s not the way I saw this golf course being played or this tournament being played. It’s kind of hard to really wrap my head around it.” — Reuters

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