Heading into the week, Bryson DeChambeau made his intentions clear—drive it as far as possible and figure it out from there. Many doubted that a course as penal as Winged Foot would succumb to his bold strategy. Alas, it did.
The 120th U.S. Open was a bit different from the outset, and it continued to get less orthodox from there. Historically low opening round scores surprised many, as did Bryson DeChambeau’s victorious game plan that eschewed traditional course management. The 27-year-old former U.S. Amateur Champion took home the USGA’s most prestigious title, shooting a final round 67, to come from behind and defeat Matthew Wolff by six shots. In addition to being the only player under par on Sunday, DeChambeau now holds the record for fewest fairways hit by a U.S. Open champion since such stats became available, and is only the third player to win a U.S. Amateur, NCAA individual championship, and a U.S. Open.
The championship became a two-man race after DeChambeau and Wolff traded eagles on the ninth to lead the rest of the field by five and four shots, respectively. But it was DeChambeau who kept the sensational play going, making birdie on 11 to stretch his lead to three. After Wolff made bogey on 14 and double bogey on 16, DeChambeau took control of the tournament, leading by six with only two holes to play. Bryson’s steady play continued throughout the back nine, rattling off seven straight pars to secure a comfortable, if not dominating, victory.
DeChambeau credited his win with staying patient and not getting ahead of himself on the golf course. “At nine I thought this could become a reality, but I said ‘nope’ I got more holes to play,” he said after the win.
Distance Debate Rages On
“It’s a whole new game,” announcers were often heard saying, seemingly wistfully. This week, the debate over reigning in the golf ball had fuel added to its fire, with the “bomb and gouge” method prevailing at Winged Foot. The U.S. Open has historically awarded those who hit fairways and greens, but that was then and this is now. No round was more indicative of this “new game” than Wolff’s five-under 65 on Saturday after hitting just two fairways. If a titan like Winged Foot can be overpowered by sheer brawn, what does that say about the state of the game? Whether you love it or hate it, “ripping dog” as Wolff puts it, appears to be an increasingly efficient way to get around a golf course—even one that hosts a U.S. Open.
Canadian Content
Taylor Pendrith and Adam Hadwin were the only Canadians who made the cut, as Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes finished their weeks early. Pendrith, making his major championship debut, finished with top Canadian honours after shooting an even par final round of 70 to leapfrog his way up the leaderboard, good enough for a T-23 finish. Hadwin finished his U.S. Open in 54th place.
GIFs, Gaffes and Goofs
For all the amazing putts, long drives and precise approaches, this week had its fair share of not-so-great moments on the course.
Danny Lee didn’t enjoy his stay in Mamaroneck, New York, and had a particularly unpleasant Saturday. Lee had a four-foot par putt on the 18th green, which he unfathomably six-putted, carding a quintuple bogey nine. After walking off the green, Lee gave his unsuspecting bag a couple violent thwacks, and then immediately withdrew, citing a wrist injury.
https://twitter.com/dylan_dethier/status/1307662673547538433
And then there was Rory Sabatini’s uniquely bad birdie attempt on the 15th hole on Sunday, which led to a four-putt double bogey.
https://twitter.com/CromartyFraser/status/1307707831999700992
Matt Wallace had his caddy tend the flag for his lengthy pitch shot on Saturday, quite a build up for a shot that made it halfway to the hole.
Classic. Matt Wallace has his caddie tend it from 56 yards out and then he chunks it. pic.twitter.com/WeRP3wvP6l
— Fantasy Golf Pod (@fantasygolfpod) September 17, 2020
The start of Harris English’s final round was the stuff of nightmares. Starting just five shots off the lead, his tee shot was inexplicably lost in the rough. English went three off the tee and made double bogey.
What’s in the Bag?
Driver: Cobra Speedzone, 5.5 degree
Fairway woods: Cobra Speedzone Tour 2-wood & Speedzone Tour 5-wood, 14 degrees
Irons: Combo Set: Cobra King Speedzone One Length (4-5) & Cobra King Forged Tour One Length (6-P)
Wedges: Artisan prototype 47, 52 and 58 degrees
Putter: Sik Prototype
Golf Ball: Bridgestone Tour B X