Bryson DeChambeau asked officials why he had not seen Rory McIlroy in the aftermath of his dramatic one-shot victory in the US Open on Sunday night, before being told that the runner-up left the course immediately without congratulating the victor.
McIlroy missed a three-foot putt on the last, after skewing another of a similar distance on the 16th, to sensationally chuck away a two-shot lead over DeChambeau with five holes to play. The 35-year-old looked certain to win his first major in 10 years until that late meltdown, which featured three dropped shots in four holes.
His turmoil was understandable, especially as he had not missed from within three feet in almost 500 attempts on the PGA Tour in 2024. Nevertheless, DeChambeau was beaten by a shot by Xander Schauffele in last month’s USPGA and hung around long enough at Valhalla to shake the hand of the winner.
McIlroy, who also lost by a shot in this same tournament last year, watched on a TV in the recorder’s hut as DeChambeau made his remarkable up and down from a bunker on the 18th and then, looking understandably distraught, headed to the courtesy car straight away followed by his entourage before his rival had even signed his scorecard.