While last week's US Open was a massive disappointment for Rory McIlroy fans, quite a few of them were pleased to see that it was Bryson DeChambeau that beat him to the trophy at Pinehurst.
The American has undergone a dramatic change in reputation over the last number of months, going from a largely controversial figure to one of the most popular players in professional golf.
There are a few reasons for that. His playing style has always been an attractive one to watch, but his personality has also become increasingly appealing. The way in which he interacts with the fans and other players has become a genuine pleasure to see.
DeChambeau was very graceful after his victory on Sunday evening, paying tribute to Rory McIlroy after the difficult end he experienced in the tournament.
As it turns out, he had McIlroy in his thoughts before he would even roll that winning putt on the 18th.
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Bryson DeChambeau had classy gesture for Rory McIlroy at US Open
While Bryson DeChambeau would roll in that brilliant putt on the 18th to win the US Open, it was not actually the final putt of the tournament.
Matthieu Pavon would have that honour, with DeChambeau's playing partner holing out to secure a top five finish.
In such circumstances, it would be normal for the playing partner to allow the contending player to have that last putt. However, that was not the case on this occasion.
In fact, Bryson DeChambeau would not have allowed him to do so.
Speaking to golf journalist Dan Rapaport, Pavon revealed that the US Open winner was glad to take his putt first, so that he did not gain an advantage over Rory McIlroy by getting a read of the green from his playing partner.
Matthieu Pavon made the right move not finishing first on 18 on Sunday, and Bryson thanked him after the round for allowing him to win it the right way. @matthieupavon pic.twitter.com/m9gJ5zuH43
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) June 20, 2024
I was so focused on the present moment. I was like 'okay, that's the putt for me to finish solo fifth'...
When we got to the recording, I said 'Bryson, I'm really sorry dude, I should have probably finished it'.
He said 'dude, you did the right thing, it's important for you, you did the right thing for you'. This is what he said, he said 'thanks for not doing it, because you would have shown me the line, and I think it's not fair for Rory and I don't want to win it that way'.
A nice touch.
They way in which Rory McIlroy missed out during that final round was heartbreaking for quite a few golf fans, but Bryson DeChambeau deserves every credit for the way he conducted himself during the days that followed.
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