LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bryson DeChambeau said Sunday’s near miss at the PGA Championship at Valhalla was “definitely disappointing” after giving everything but winning.
But after shooting a final round 64 to finish at 20 under par, one stroke behind winner Xander Schauffele, DeChambeau was encouraged by his performance.
“It’s a game that gives us great momentum for the rest of the majors,” DeChambeau said. “I said it was ‘finishing time’ today, and hopefully it will be finishing time in the next few majors.”
DeChambeau wowed crowds this week.
DeChambeau, who made 18 birdies on Sunday to reach 20 under and tied Schauffele with the last birdie to seal the victory, said he thought 18 under was enough to win.
“Then I saw Xander play and I was like, ‘Hey, he’s playing incredible golf,'” DeChambeau said. “I gave it my all. I put all the effort I could into it. Someone. [Schauffele] He played incredibly well.
“I have to learn from this. Look, I learned a lot about myself this past year and was able to perform at Augusta. [where he finished tied for sixth] And today I was able to record 7 under. ”
Had DeChambeau won the tournament, his final round would have been remembered for the big break he got on the 16th hole. The tee shot was sucked into the tree on the left, and the tree spat the ball out into the fairway.
DeChambeau took advantage of the break, hitting an 8-iron to within 3 feet for birdie and moving within one shot of the lead at 19 under.
He birdied the 18th to get to 20 under, tied with Schauffele, and set up the victory with Schauffele’s birdie.
“I said ‘thank you’ to the tree,” DeChambeau joked.
“I didn’t have the best drive at all this week and felt discomfort on the tee shot and pulled to the left, but I was very lucky. [his caddie, Greg Bodine]“Okay, this is what it takes to win a major championship.” I need that kind of break too. ”
“Sometimes I look in my face and just say, ‘You’ve got to get it done.’ No matter what’s going on or how I’m feeling right now, I’ll do it with minimal shots. You have to get the ball in the hole. You have to try harder. And I did, one more shot short.”
Asked what he learned this week, DeChambeau, who is famously obsessed with his equipment, said: I learned that even if I don’t hit well, I can play golf with my own golf swing. When you’re hitting well, you need to take advantage of it.I couldn’t do that at Augusta. [where] My putt failed.
“But I obviously had better putts this week. I came up with some good stuff. I’ve got to remember those things and take them to the U.S. Open. I’m excited for Pinehurst.”
