Moving Day Mayhem at Pinehurst: DeChambeau Electrifies US Open, Dark Horses Emerge
Saturday at the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst Resort lived up to its nickname – Moving Day.
Early on Moving Day, all eyes were on the previous day’s leaders, Ludvig Åberg and Matthieu Pavon. Åberg, the young Swede looking to become the first amateur US Open champion since 1913, started the day one shot ahead of Pavon. Both players displayed impressive control in the early going, trading birdies and pars as they battled for supremacy atop the leaderboard. However, as the round progressed, DeChambeau’s explosive play and McIlroy’s steady consistency shifted the spotlight, leaving Åberg and Pavon to fight for a potential top-five finish.
Drama unfolded across the iconic No. 2 course, with leaderboard positions shifting and fortunes changing on nearly every hole. While Bryson DeChambeau provided the electricity with his powerful play and enthusiastic fan interaction, several dark horses emerged as contenders heading into the final round.
DeChambeau Delivers:
Bryson DeChambeau, known for his unconventional approach and long drives, captivated the Pinehurst crowds with a captivating display of power and precision on Saturday. Starting the day two strokes off the lead, DeChambeau launched drives that left many players in his dust. He wowed fans with his booming tee shot on the par-4 10th, nearly driving the green and leaving himself a chip-in eagle opportunity. Despite missing the eagle, DeChambeau’s birdie on the hole ignited a roar that reverberated across the course.
DeChambeau’s interaction with fans also added to the electric atmosphere. He acknowledged their cheers, high-fived outstretched hands, and even signed autographs between shots. This connection with the gallery further solidified his rockstar status within the sport. DeChambeau finished the day with a 3-under-par 67, propelling him into a tie for second place, just one stroke behind the leader.
Bunker play is on another level @b_dechambeaupic.twitter.com/dtLvExQyJm
— Crushers GC (@Crushers_GC) June 15, 2024
Best driver of the golf ball in the world 💯@b_dechambeau | @usopengolf
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) June 15, 2024
pic.twitter.com/cJTH5ULOax
Rory’s Measured Masterclass:
While DeChambeau generated excitement with his power, Rory McIlroy remained a model of controlled aggression. Starting the day tied for the lead, McIlroy displayed remarkable shot-making throughout his round. He navigated Pinehurst’s treacherous greens with precision, avoiding the costly bogeys that plagued other contenders. A clutch birdie putt on the difficult 18th hole capped off a steady 1-under-par 69 for McIlroy, keeping him atop the leaderboard heading into Sunday.
Dark Horses Rise:
While Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy dominated the headlines, other established players made significant strides on Moving Day.
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama (T-5, -2) carded a solid even-par round, showcasing his trademark consistency. Collin Morikawa (T-9), known for his meticulous approach, delivered a bogey-free 66(-4), a testament to his precision play. Despite starting the day with a disappointing +2 on Moving Day, Tony Finau (T-7, -1) remains in contention for his first major championship. His trademark resilience and aggressive play were evident in his previous rounds, and his overall -1 score keeps him within striking distance
Under-the-Radar Threats:
Patrick Cantlay, known for his steely focus and consistent play, navigated the treacherous Pinehurst layout with impressive control on Moving Day. He carded a gritty even-par 70, showcasing his ability to avoid costly mistakes and grind out pars on a challenging course. This performance propelled him into a tie for second place at -4 overall, putting him in a prime position to challenge for the US Open title on Sunday.
Frenchman Matthieu Pavon, a name not often mentioned in major championship conversations, quietly emerged as a serious threat on Moving Day. He shot an intriguing 1-under-par 69, displaying his excellent ball striking and critical putting. This strong performance propelled him into a tie for second place at -4 overall, putting him in a prime position to challenge for the US Open title on Sunday. Pavon’s ability to stay calm under pressure and navigate Pinehurst’s demanding layout could pose a significant danger to the established favorites in the final round.
Key Scores and Standings:
- Leaders: Bryson DeChambeau (-7), Rory McIlroy (-4)
- Chasing Pack: Tony Finau, Hideki Matsuyama, Tyrrell Hatton
- Notable Performances: Collin Morikawa (66),
the leader board at the end of round was as follow: https://x.com/PGATOUR/status/1802133805920137506
Looking Ahead: A Championship Sunday Awaits:
Moving Day at the 2024 US Open provided a thrilling spectacle of golf. DeChambeau’s explosive play, McIlroy’s controlled dominance, and the rise of dark horses have set the stage for a captivating final round. With five players within four strokes of the lead, Sunday promises to be a battle of nerves, strategy, and shot-making brilliance. Will DeChambeau’s power overpower Pinehurst? Can McIlroy maintain his composure and close out his first US Open title? Or will a dark horse emerge from the shadows and claim golf’s most prestigious championship? The answers will unfold in the dramatic final round at Pinehurst Resort.
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