Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau moved fans with their heartwarming gesture during the final round of the US Open.
Two of golf’s biggest stars battled it out to the end Sunday at Pinehurst.
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But despite the intensity and tension, while they looked forward to coming out on top, they made time to show off their best selves for the fans.
DeChambeau made a clutch birdie — his first of the final round — to retake the lead on the 10th hole.
And as he headed to the 11th tee, he stopped to give a high-five to a supporter in a wheelchair.
DeChambeau then pulled a pen out of his pocket and signed the disabled golfer’s hat.
The American then led the entire row of his fans with fist pumps as he advanced to the next hole.
Later, McIlroy stopped by for the same supporter.
After his own birdie, the Northern Irishman looked at the fan, shook his hand and gave him his ball.
The pair actually have history together, with fans – named Kyler – dubbing her McIlroy’s “good-luck charm” when he won the Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta in 2022.
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Golf fans watching events unfold at the U.S. Open on Sunday praised the classy behavior of DeChambeau and McIlroy.
One said: “Seriously @b_dechambeau is a legend. This was really amazing to see. Brought tears to my eyes.”
Another wrote: “Bryson deserves this win for what he did for a single disabled fan! Great guy and has played really well the last few days!”
A third said: “Bryson made his first birdie of the day, regained the solo lead, then signed a disabled child’s hat and greeted all the fans. Since I’m still new to golf, I became a huge fan this weekend.”
A fourth commented: “Brilliant Rory. Stopping to shake hands with a disabled fan despite everything.”
A fifth replied: “Very classy.”
A sixth wrote: “This is so special.”
Rory McIlroy’s career achievements
by Ian Tuckey
Rory McIlroy has spent more than 100 weeks at No. 1 in the world – and has won four majors and 40 tournaments to date.
Only all-time greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have matched his feat of winning one of the Big Four titles by the age of 25.
And after winning the US Open in 2011, the Northern Irishman also won the PGA Championship the following year – and added both Open and PGA crowns in 2014.
Here’s a look at the illustrious career of the 35-year-old, a five-time Ryder Cup winner, who was also a strong critic of the rival Saudi-backed LIV Tour:
- 2007 – Topped the World Amateur Rankings at age 17.
Turned professional in September.
Became the youngest affiliate member to receive a tour card in the history of the European Tour.
- 2009 – Reached world top 50.
- 2010 – Won his first PGA Tour title at the Quail Hollow Championship.
Made a winning start to the Ryder Cup.
Became the youngest player to reach $10 million in earnings on the PGA Tour.
- 2011 – Loses a four-stroke lead on the final day of the Masters in May.
But the following month he won his first major title – the US Open.
Named Player of the Year by Ireland’s main broadcaster RTE.
- 2012 – Won the PGA Championship.
Won the PGA Tour Player of the Year title and also achieved glory in the Ryder Cup.
- 2013 – Signs a huge sponsorship deal with Nike.
- 2014 – His best year yet in terms of majors.
Won the Open at Royal Liverpool.
He then won the first of two consecutive PGA Titles, defeating Phil Mickelson by one stroke.
Awarded RTE Sports Person of the Year for the second time.
Again helped Europe win the Ryder Cup.
- 2016 – Finishes the season by winning the Tour Championship, which puts him on top of the FedEx Cup standings and earns him a $10 million bonus pool.
Had to face defeat in the Ryder Cup.
- 2017 – Failed to win throughout the year.
But finished in the top 10 at the Masters, The Open, and 3 WGC events.
And when Nike withdrew the majority of their share from the golf market, they signed an £80 million deal with TaylorMade.
- 2018 – More Ryder Cup fun.
- 2020 Overtakes Brooks Koepka to become world No. 1
- 2021 – Lost the Ryder Cup.
- 2022 – Finished runner-up at the Masters and tied for third at the Open.
- 2023 – Helps Europe beat USA 16.5-11.5 in the Ryder Cup.
- 2024 – Struggles at start of season, finishes tied 22nd at the Masters.
But he then won two tournaments – the Zurich Classic (for his 25th PGA title) and the Wells Fargo Championship.
A seventh posted: “This act by DeChambeau signing a disabled fan’s hat while leaving the 10th green is absolutely amazing and outstanding… I applaud him for that!”
And one end user responded: “Rory, this is better than golf, thanks.”
On a thrilling and action-packed final day at Pinehurst, the competition on the course went down to the final moments.
McIlroy began the day three shots behind 54-hole leader DeChambeau and held a two-stroke lead at eight under-par with five holes remaining.
However, bogeys on the 15th, 16th and 18th holes – including two missed par putts from inside four feet – gave DeChambeau the lead again going into the 18th hole.
However, the American looked to have made a mistake as his drive went into the pine straw and then his second shot went into a bunker.
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However, he hit the best shot of his career, pulling the ball out of the sand and to within four feet.
DeChambeau held his composure to win the second major trophy of his career — and extend a grieving McIlroy’s long wait for a fifth major.
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