17 June 2024 , 02:23
512
0
U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau revealed caddie Greg Bodine told him he'd seen the LIV Golf star pull off ‘way harder shots’ before his clutch bunker shot on 18.
After Rory McIlroy dropped his third shot in four holes to open the door for DeChambeau, the American needed a par on the 72nd and final hole of the U.S. Open to win his second major title. Uncharacteristically struggling with his driver throughout the final round, DeChambeau pulled his tee shot left into the rough.
He punched the ball out into the bunker, setting up a necessary up-and-down to win at Pinehurst. The 30-year-old delivered, playing a sublime strike from 55 yards to within four feet of the hole.
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy makes quick exit after heartbreaking US Open defeat to Bryson DeChambeau
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy blew US Open with excruciating end to 496-putt streak at worst possible time
DeChambeau sunk the putt, which ignited wild celebrations. It is his second U.S. Open title after his triumph at Winged Foot four years ago.
LIV Golf 2023 predictions including marquee signings and PGA Tour deadlock
When asked what he will remember most from the final two hours of the thrilling finale, DeChambeau said: "Probably my caddie telling me you can do it on 18 out of that bunker. Greg telling me, ‘You got this shot. I've seen way harder shots pulled off from you’."
DeChambeau also outlined the importance of his Bodine. He revealed how Bodine helped him evolve into a better man since the two began working together, dragging him out of a tough place.
Bryson DeChambeau is a two-time U.S. Open champion (Getty Images)"Oh, man. Yeah, I was struggling," DeChambeau frankly admitted. "I didn't know where my game was. I had no idea what was going on. Greg was in a place where he was starting a business, Evergreen. He was in a place where he didn't know what was going to go on. Some family stuff happened. It was just a weird moment for him and for me.
"I guess it was fate. The two lives that were in some despair got brought together to make each other better. I feel like that's what's happened. He gave me a chance. I said, 'I don't know what I'm going to give you. I don't know what game I have. You may hate what I have, and I might not like the way you caddie.'
"He's very mellow, somebody that I've never - I've had a lot of A-type personalities. They've worked great; I've done very well. But he's been a special human being for me in my life, getting me to realise what life is about. It's not just all about golf. He works hard. He's a diligent worker. Brings the best out of me."