Donald Trump seems to have rubbed salt in Rory McIlroy’s wounds with an exaggerated congratulatory message to Bryson DeChambeau after the dramatic finish of the US Open.
DeChambeau had a three-stroke lead over the rest of the field heading into Sunday at Pinehurst, but McIlroy broke away from the chasing pack to push the American to the finish.
It looked like DeChambeau had blown it at one point as McIlroy took a two-stroke lead heading into the final five holes.
But back-to-back bogeys on the 15th and 16th holes leveled the pair heading into the final hole.
McIlroy, paired with Patrick Cantlay, went first and missed a putt from four feet to save par.
Donald Trump rubbed salt in Rory McIlroy’s wounds online
GETTY
That proved critical as DeChambeau pulled off an incredible up-and-down with a 55-yard bunker shot to save par and clinch the US Open title.
McIlroy was filmed looking dejected before rushing off the course just minutes after DeChambeau’s putt dropped.
The 30-year-old received high praise from his teammates for his bunker shot and for claiming his second US Open title.
And former US President Trump joined in the applause for DeChambeau with a message on the social media platform Truth Social.
Trump wrote: “Congratulations to Bryson DeChambeau on his incredible WIN at the US Open!
“He showed toughness and inner strength, which combine perfectly with his GREAT talent in golf, which can never be denied!
“Under enormous pressure, he hit some of the best shots ever made, especially his spectacular save in the sand on the 18th hole that gave him the victory.
“‘Mr. 58’ has always been a WINNER and will go on to many more major championships.
“He’s a really tough, even nasty competitor, but he’s also a great guy. America couldn’t be better represented.”
“Congratulations also to LIV Golf for their genius in recruiting Bryson and other top golfers in the world.
Bryson DeChambeau won the US Open for the second time
REUTERS
“Hopefully the Golf will soon come together, completely united, which is as it should be!”
McIlroy criticized Trump’s leadership during the coronavirus pandemic and said in a podcast four years ago that he would never want to play a round of golf with him again.
By contrast, DeChambeau shares a close relationship with Trump and his family that goes back years.
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Rory McIlroy looked lonely after his round
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DeChambeau has said he is “very fortunate to have a relationship” with the former US president.
The two-time major champion celebrated his latest triumph with the Trump family at their Westchester National Golf Club on Monday.
He was greeted by Eric Trump and the celebrations included drinking wine from the US Open trophy.
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