Bryson DeChambeau Misses Cut at US Open, Ending Title Defense
DeChambeau's Struggles at Oakmont
As the sun began to set on Friday at Oakmont, Bryson DeChambeau was the sole player practicing in the rain on the driving range, marking the final shots he would take in this year's US Open.
DeChambeau made history as the first defending champion to miss the cut at this prestigious tournament since Gary Woodland did so in 2020. His performance was marred by wayward drives, erratic shots from the rough, and putts that simply wouldn’t fall, resulting in a score of 7-over 77 and a two-day total of 10 over, three strokes shy of making the cut.
Last year, DeChambeau's defining moment was a remarkable 55-yard shot from a bunker that helped him clinch victory on the 18th hole. This year, however, the highlight was a wild swing that sent his ball into the rough on the same hole, followed by a candid moment captured by cameras where he exclaimed, 'What was that?' as he regained his footing and proceeded toward the green.
He managed to save par on that hole and seemed poised to make the cut with nine holes remaining. Unfortunately, a series of missteps—a double bogey from a poor drive, followed by bogeys on missed six and seven-foot putts—on holes 5, 6, and 7 ultimately sealed his fate.
The fan favorite, who previously triumphed at Winged Foot in 2020 and has been a prominent figure in four of the last five majors—including last year's US Open victory and strong finishes at the Masters and PGA—will not be competing over the weekend at Oakmont.
In contrast, Xander Schauffele successfully made the cut, extending his impressive streak to 66 tournaments, the longest since Tiger Woods' 142 consecutive cuts that ended in 2005. Schauffele has not missed a cut in majors since the Masters in 2022, maintaining a streak of 14.
Matt Fitzpatrick, the reigning champion from 2022, managed to secure his spot by making one of only five birdies on the challenging uphill, par-4 ninth hole.
Other former champions faced difficulties as well, including Dustin Johnson and Gary Woodland, both finishing at 10 over, while Lucas Glover ended at 8 over. Wyndham Clark narrowly missed the cut after a 25-foot par attempt fell short.
Thorbjorn Olesen from Denmark also struggled, hitting into a ditch on the 18th, incurring a penalty, and finishing with a double bogey, totaling 8 over.
Phil Mickelson, playing in what could be his final US Open due to the expiration of his five-year exemption from his 2021 PGA win, faced challenges as well, struggling on the 17th hole where he took five shots to finish.