Bryson DeChambeau ‘humbled’ by reaction to US Open win

LOS ANGELES – Bryson DeChambeau may need a nap before he tackles this week’s LIV Golf Nashville event, as the US Open champion admitted on June 19 that he has had “maybe 12 hours of sleep” total in the past three days.

His thrilling one-stroke victory on June 16 against Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy in Pinehurst led to multiple late-night and early-morning television appearances.

“The last three days have been wild,” the American said during his media session at The Grove.

“Overwhelming gratitude, just a lot of thanks from everybody. The support and the care that everybody has shown me and brought to me and the love that they’ve shown me has been inspiring. It’s what keeps me going.”

When DeChambeau arrived at the clubhouse in Nashville on June 18 following his second US Open win, the other LIV Golf players and staff members greeted him with cheers and applause.

“The support is awesome,” the two-time Major champion said.

“You know, it’s funny, everybody talks about LIV Golf and the team aspect and we have our own pods and whatnot. It’s exactly stuff like that. This isn’t just about team golf and having our own teams or doing our own things. We truly care about what we’re trying to provide for the game of golf. We’re moving. It’s moving in a really positive direction.

“Having the support of everybody... walking out of that car and raising the trophy, it’s truly for LIV and what they’ve done for me, the chance they took on me, the chance I took on you guys. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship.”

The 30-year-old was also asked how it felt to be referred to as “the people’s champ”.

“I’m humbled, very humbled by it,” he said.

“Getting to this point in my life where I’ve had struggles, I’ve done some things I shouldn’t have done... but learning from those mistakes and learning patience, resilience, determination, continuing to grow in that capacity.

“I finally get to showcase my true self and show others what this great game means to me. It’s given me so much, it’s time for me to give back.”

McIlroy, meanwhile, is taking a short break following his final-day collapse at the US Open, and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said that the four-time Major winner is doing the right thing by taking time off.

The 35-year-old threw away a chance to end a decade-long search for his fifth Major with three bogeys in his final four holes and a day later said he needed time away to process everything that had happened.

Monahan, speaking before this week’s Travelers Championship, said he has texted McIlroy and respects his decision.

“Sometimes you just need to focus on what you need,” he said. “And that’s what he’s doing. That’s exactly what he should be doing because that’s what he thinks is the right path.” REUTERS