A finale to remember. The US Open has witnessed an epic showdown between Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy that ended with the American’s victory. The second Major of his career.
Pinehurst Nº2 has been the witness of a noble battle between two great contenders. What happened on Sunday has left many interesting details along the way.
The atmosphere. If the battle on the field has been titanic, the one in the stands has not been left behind. McIlroy’s birdies were celebrated by thousands and thousands of people with roars that resonated far and wide across the field. No matter how far away you were, you knew that the Northern Irishman had holed: “Rory, Rory, Rory”. It is common for the American public to support the Northern Irishman, but it is still striking when the rival is one of their own.
The support for DeChambeau has not been left behind. The American is increasingly becoming the man of the people and is beginning to be seen as a hero very close to the people. The most curious thing, however, is that it has not been a pitched battle between LIV Golf and PGA Tour, as one might guess. Actually, at times it seemed like a confrontation in the purest Ryder Cup style: “USA, USA, USA” was the chant that was heard the most to celebrate Bryson’s shots. Interestingly, the American was not present in the tough defeat of Marco Simone last year. We will see if at Bethpage DeChambeau can get over it and help his country recover the coveted trophy.
Bryson’s closeness to the public. It is strikingly noticeable the constant interaction that DeChambeau has had with the crowd throughout the round. Fists with the fans, shouts of joy looking at the crowd and constant greetings to the little ones. Accustomed to the players being absolutely focused on their round of golf, it seems that Bryson is made of different stuff and needs to feel the constant warmth of his people. The public, by the way, is delighted to return the affection.
A detail in this regard was seen minutes after winning the tournament. As soon as he lifted the trophy, he gave a kind of victory lap and approached the public area allowing people to touch the trophy. “I want you to feel that the title is also each of yours and that today you celebrate it in some way,” he said at the awards ceremony.
The emotion. One of the most emotional moments was lived when DeChambeau broke down overcome by emotion. It was at the end of the awards ceremony. Just after finishing the interview with the champion. There, Bryson, who had just remembered his late father, burst into tears visibly affected. The accumulated tension gave way to tears full of emotion.
The hug. Sergio García was the only player who waited on the 18th hole green to celebrate the victory with his tour colleague. They merged into a long hug that led to a lively conversation. Angela, the Spaniard’s wife, also congratulated the US Open champion. The Borriol native and the double US Open champion have tightened ties since they are both in the LIV. In addition, they share a representation agency. Nice gesture from Sergio.
