Bryson DeChambeau’s Record-Breaking US Open Triumph: An Epic Showdown at Pinehurst No. 2

Bryson DeChambeau’s Record-Breaking US Open Triumph: An Epic Showdown at Pinehurst No. 2

In a dramatic conclusion to the US Open, Bryson DeChambeau secured his second victory at the prestigious tournament, edging out Rory McIlroy by a single shot. The intense battle at Pinehurst No. 2 culminated in DeChambeau finishing at 6-under, just ahead of McIlroy’s 5-under, and pocketing a major championship-record prize.

The Northern Irishman, Rory McIlroy, appeared poised to seize the title until a string of three bogeys in his final four holes dashed his chances. DeChambeau, who had previously won the US Open in 2020, capitalized on McIlroy’s faltering finish, his face beaming with disbelief and joy as he clinched the win.

Per CBS Sports, DeChambeau’s triumph was accompanied by an unprecedented $4.3 million payout, setting a new record for the tournament. This prize is notably $2.1 million higher than his earnings from his 2020 victory. His winnings also represent the second-largest prize in 2024, trailing only Scottie Scheffler’s $4.5 million from The Players Championship.

The overall purse for this year’s US Open was a staggering $21.5 million, an increase of $1.5 million from the previous year. The first prize also saw a $700,000 increase from 2023, when Wyndham Clark won $3.6 million in Los Angeles.

McIlroy, despite his late-game struggles, received a substantial consolation prize of $2.32 million for his second-place finish. Patrick Cantlay and Tony Finau, tied at 4-under for third place, each took home $1.23 million. The top four players all earned over a million dollars, underscoring the lucrative nature of this year’s tournament.

Even those finishing in the top ten were guaranteed hefty rewards, with each earning at least $500,000. Players within the top twenty received a minimum of $250,000. Importantly, those who missed the cut did not leave empty-handed, as the USGA awarded $10,000 to all who qualified for the championship.

USGA CEO Mike Whan highlighted the rigorous journey to the US Open, stating: “This year at the 124th playing of the US Open, we’ve had over 10,000 entrants try to make it into the field, entrants from all 50 states, 70 different countries, and the ages from age 12 to 74… That got us to the 156 competitors in this field.”

Whan emphasized the significant financial stakes: “Those competitors won’t be playing for $150 like 130 years ago, but they’ll be playing for $21.5 million, which means our winner’s purse will be a $4.3 million check to the winner and, as we always go $10,000 even, if you miss the cut because as I say every year, we really believe making the cut at the US Open is about getting into the field, over 10,000 people playing for 156 spots.”

Both DeChambeau and McIlroy entered the tournament as favorites, with similar 10-to-1 odds to win. They shared the lead into the back nine on Sunday, with McIlroy leading through 69 holes. However, crucial missed putts within five feet cost McIlroy the lead in the final three holes. Meanwhile, DeChambeau’s drive on the 18th hole missed the fairway, and his second shot landed in a bunker. Despite this setback, he executed a remarkable sand save, hitting his third shot to within four feet and sinking the putt to secure victory.

With this win, DeChambeau joins an elite group of golfers under 30 who have won the US Open multiple times since World War II, including Jack Nicklaus, Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, and Brooks Koepka. His remarkable comeback and record-breaking earnings will be remembered as one of the most exciting chapters in US Open history.

Pinehurst No. 2, renowned for its challenging layout, has once again proven to be a fitting stage for golf’s greatest dramas. DeChambeau’s victory here, marked by resilience and strategic brilliance, adds to the storied legacy of this iconic course. As he celebrated around the 18th green, it was clear that Bryson DeChambeau had etched his name into the annals of golfing greatness.