Golf fans loved Bryson DeChambeau's classy response to Rory McIlroy's collapse at the U.S. Open

The contrast of emotions couldn’t have been wider after Sunday’s final round of the U.S. Open. Rory McIlroy — in search of his first major title in 10 years — saw his two-stroke lead slip away late in the round. Bryson DeChambeau took advantage and secured his second U.S. Open win with a fired-up celebration at Pinehurst.

The difference was real, but DeChambeau knew exactly how Rory was feeling on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters after his U.S. Open win, DeChambeau was asked about how he empathizes with Rory after benefitting from the stunning collapse. DeChambeau — who joined the Saudi-funded LIV Golf in 2022 despite heavy criticism by McIlroy — offered kind words to the four-time major champion.

"He'll win multiple more major championships, there's no doubt."

Bryson DeChambeau is confident Rory McIlroy will be back winning majors again. pic.twitter.com/3HKaODKsML

— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 17, 2024

DeChambeau said:

“Yeah. Rory’s one of the best to ever play. To be able to fight against a great like that is pretty special. For him to miss that putt, I never wish it on anybody. It just happened to play out that way. He’ll win multiple more major championships — there’s no doubt. I think that fire in him is going to continue to grow. And I have nothing but respect for how he plays the game of golf because, to be honest, when he was climbing up the leaderboard and he was two ahead, I was like, ‘Uhhh. Uh oh.’ But luckily, things went my way today.”

McIlroy was spotted leaving Pinehurst immediately after DeChambeau’s win. So, we didn’t get to see the two golfers greet each other. But golf fans certainly appreciated the classy post-match remarks from DeChambeau.

This was how Twitter/X reacted

https://x.com/BradWeisbord/status/1802677794331074651

I’ve done a complete 180 on this guy. Just pure class and fun to watch https://t.co/Tf5UYfClHP

— Xan (@XanderRod21) June 17, 2024

Well Done, Bryson.

Incredible golf. Clutch finishing. Great sportsmanship! https://t.co/NKGgDBlEcu

— Michele Marrai (@Michele__Marrai) June 17, 2024

Good for Bryson. Well said. #USOpen https://t.co/X79pAGhgGy

— Bryan Tweed (@BryanTweed16) June 17, 2024

This man’s public turnaround will be studied, good dude https://t.co/FdsNMiu80b

— cincystoned (@cincystoned) June 17, 2024

Devastating Loss for Rory but Bryson keeps winning more and more people over. Not just a showman anymore https://t.co/uBUZsNOCLg

— Nick McHale (@nmchale3) June 17, 2024

Making it really hard to not dislike him now. https://t.co/qPfN0Qs5wC

— Adrian Ellenberger (@AdrianGolfs) June 17, 2024

Very classy from Bryson here. https://t.co/41IVG05wEx

— Troy Klongerbo (@troyklongerbo) June 17, 2024

Tough for Rory, but a sportsmanlike comment from DeChambeau. https://t.co/5W0Ftpbr8O

— Bob Cotter (@gibsonsgolfer) June 17, 2024

Bryson just LOOKS like he hurts for Rory. https://t.co/trzvOq4Nyz

— Garrett Rusick (@G_roosk) June 17, 2024