Golf has a new hero. Bryson DeChambeau captured his second U.S. Open title on Sunday, outlasting Rory McIlroy in a dramatic finish at Pinehurst. The two were tied at 6-under as they approached the final hole, setting the stage for an unforgettable conclusion.

McIlroy, playing one hole ahead, missed a crucial four-foot putt for par on the 18th, opening a window for DeChambeau. After a wayward drive left him in a tough spot under a tree, DeChambeau managed to punch his shot into a greenside bunker. From there, he delivered what he described as “the best shot of my life,” landing his bunker shot within four feet of the hole. Unlike McIlroy, DeChambeau sank his putt to secure the victory.

For McIlroy, the defeat was particularly bitter, marking another missed opportunity in his quest for a major title, his last being the 2014 PGA Championship. His final round included two missed putts inside four feet over the last three holes. The disappointment was evident as he watched DeChambeau clinch the win from inside the scoring tent.

DeChambeau’s journey from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf two years ago has seen him evolve into a crowd favorite. His victory was celebrated with chants of “U-S-A!” from the galleries, and he made good on his promise to let fans touch the 18-inch tall, sterling silver winner’s trophy.

The path to victory wasn’t easy. Coming into the tournament, Scottie Scheffler was the favorite, riding high from his recent win at the Memorial. However, Pinehurst’s challenging conditions leveled many top contenders, including Scheffler, who finished at +8. The course’s combination of turtleback greens, sandy rough, and intense heat proved to be a formidable adversary.

Saturday showcased DeChambeau’s resilience, as he fought his way to -7 while energizing the crowd with his play. On Sunday, the leaderboard remained tight, with McIlroy and DeChambeau exchanging blows. McIlroy’s birdie on the ninth hole and DeChambeau’s clutch par save set up a nail-biting back nine. Despite early struggles, DeChambeau’s tenacity paid off, culminating in his extraordinary bunker shot on the 18th.

The G7 summit’s focus on Ukraine and China may dominate headlines, but on the fairways of Pinehurst, it was DeChambeau who stole the show. His victory not only cements his status as one of golf’s top draws but also adds another chapter to the ongoing narrative of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf rivalry.