The quest for distance has now produced a major championship.
After adding 40 pounds of muscle, the bulked-up Bryson DeChambeau flexed his muscles and won the 120th U.S. Open with a strong performance on Sunday, claiming his first major title at 6 under for the tournament with a 3-under 67 in the final round at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York.
DeChambeau was the only player to finish the tournament under par and his Sunday 67 was the lone score under par in the final round.
Rising star Matthew Wolff, who held a two-shot lead entering the final round, fizzled throughout the finale en route to a dimming 5-over 75 and a second-place finish at even par.
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After the two contenders made a pair of eagle putts on the par-5 9th hole, Wolff made the turn at 1 over, one shot back from DeChambeau, who turned at 2 under.
Wolff bogeyed No. 10 to go two down, then DeChambeau made birdie on No. 11 to go up three shots. The lucky breaks Wolff admittedly received on Saturday DeChambeau received on Sunday, specifically off the tee on the par-5 12th. DeChambeau’s drive landed in the rough and kicked out to the fairway. Wolff hit almost the exact same shot, different result, nestling down in the rough. Both players would make par on Nos. 12 and 13.
In fact, DeChambeau made par on his closing seven holes.
Wolff failed to go on a last-minute charge, making bogey on No. 14 and double on No. 16 for a disappointing finish to an impressive weeklong performance.
With the win, DeChambeau joined Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to win the U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur and NCAA Div. I individual championship.
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