moments.
8. Looking ahead, how do you think DeChambeau’s second U.S. Open title will impact his career trajectory? Will he now be considered one of the best players in the game today?
Hirsh: Absolutely he’ll be up there among the best. Two U.S. Opens is no joke. There will always be people who don’t like his style of play, but he’s now won multiple majors, which puts him in rare company. His game is so unique and so different, and now he has the hardware to back it up.
Marksbury: I agree. Winning multiple majors puts you in elite company, and you can bet that for as long as Bryson keeps competing and playing well, he’ll be at the top tier.
Melton: I think this major was a huge step for him. He’s now a multi-major winner, and that’s what people remember. And the way he won, grinding it out at Pinehurst, proves that he has the game to win on tough tracks.
Sens: Winning two Opens is huge. For all the haters he has (which is more than a few), DeChambeau has gotten to a spot in the game that most players will never touch. He’s not going anywhere but up from here.
Dethier: There’s still work left to be done. He needs to win big events in the air game as well to be remembered among the greats. But two U.S. Opens is a big deal and will definitely elevate his status.
9. On the other hand, where does this loss leave McIlroy? How do you see him bouncing back from this heartbreak?
Hirsh: He’s been in a rough spot for a while, with lots of talk about whether he can get it done again. This was tough to watch and you have to wonder if it’ll weigh heavy on him. But he seemed to have made peace with his spot in the game prior to Sunday, and of course he’s still an all-time great. I wouldn’t count him out.
Marksbury: Rory is resilient. He’s been through a lot now. He’ll keep grinding away, and I think eventually he’s going to break through again.
Melton: It’ll be another tough one to swallow, but he’s proven his ability to bounce back before. McIlroy is a class act and a phenomenal talent, so I have no doubt that he’ll get back in the winner’s circle soon.
Sens: It hurts. It must hurt like hell. But the guy has won big events before. There’s no reason to think he won’t win again.
Dethier: This one will sting but Rory has too much talent to not break through again. He’s been knocking on the door for a while now, and eventually it’s going to open.
10. Finally, what are your thoughts on Pinehurst No. 2 as a future host of U.S. Opens? Do you think the course will continue to provide a stern test for the best players in the game?
Hirsh: Absolutely. Pinehurst No. 2 is a classic test of golf. It’s challenging in every aspect and demands precision from tee to green. The USGA has found a perfect venue in Pinehurst, and I’m looking forward to seeing more U.S. Opens contested here in the future.
Marksbury: Pinehurst will continue to deliver as a U.S. Open venue. It’s a timeless design that stands the test of time, and its unique layout and challenging greens ensure that it will always be a tough test for the best players in the world.
Melton: Pinehurst No. 2 is one of the truly great golf courses in the world, and it always provides a fantastic test for the pros. With its history and character, it’s a fitting host for one of golf’s biggest championships.
Sens: Pinehurst No. 2 is a gem. It’s a classic layout that rewards smart, strategic play and shotmaking. As long as the USGA sets it up properly, Pinehurst will continue to be a fantastic host for the U.S. Open.
Dethier: Pinehurst No. 2 is timeless and will always be a challenging test for the best players in the game. Its iconic design and demanding greens make it a fitting venue for major championships, and I’m excited to see more U.S. Opens played here in the future.
