Bryson DeChambeau hopes ‘disappointing’ PGA near miss fuels future success

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bryson DeChambeau called his near miss at the PGA Championship Sunday at Valhalla, where he did everything but win, “definitely disappointing.”

But after shooting a final round of 64 to finish at 20 under par – one shot shy of winner Xander Schauffele – DeChambeau was energized by his performance.

“He’s the one that gives me a lot of momentum for the rest of the majors,” DeChambeau said. “I said today was ‘closing time,’ but it will be closing time, hopefully, for the next two major tournaments.”

DeChambeau electrified huge crowds this week.

DeChambeau, who birdied 18 Sunday to get to 20 under and tie Schauffele, forcing him to birdie the last to win, said he thought 18 under par would be enough to win.

“Then when I saw what Alex was doing, I was like, ‘Man, he’s playing amazing golf,’” DeChambeau said. ” I gave everything. I put as much effort into it as possible. Someone (Schauffele) played incredibly well.

“I learned from that. Look, I’ve learned a lot about myself over the last year, about being able to play at Augusta (where he finished tied for sixth) and being able to play today drawing 7 under.

If DeChambeau had won the tournament, his final round would be remembered for the huge break he got on the 16th hole, where his tee shot was pulled into the left trees and a tree spat the ball toward the fairway.

DeChambeau took advantage of the break and holed an 8-iron inside 3 feet for a birdie that brought him to within one shot of the lead at 19 under.

He would birdie the 18th to get to 20 under and tie Schauffele, setting up Schauffele’s birdie to win.

“I said ‘Thank you’ to the tree,” DeChambeau joked.

“I just wasn’t driving my best this week and I was uncomfortable on the tee shot and I pulled it to the left, and I was very lucky. I looked at G-Bo (his caddy, Greg Bodine): “OK, this is what it takes to win major championships. Breaks like this need to happen.

“Sometimes I look at myself and say, ‘You have to do this.’ » No matter what happens, no matter how you feel at the moment, you have to put the ball in the hole in as few shots as possible. Be better. I have to do better. And I did it, I was just one shot short.

When asked what he learned this week, DeChambeau, known for being obsessed with equipment, replied: “Equipment matters. I learned that I can play golf with my swing even if I don’t hit it well. When I hit well, I have to take advantage of it. I couldn’t do that at Augusta (where) my putting failed me.

“But it’s clear that I rode well this week. I found some good things. I just have to remember these things and use them for the US Open. I’m excited for Pinehurst.