Winning and losing are integral parts of any sport. For Bryson DeChambeau, the highs and lows of golf have taught him to celebrate victories and embrace the lessons that come with defeat. With an impressive career spanning the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, DeChambeau has shown resilience, yet one particular loss remains a bitter memory.
The 2021 BMW Championship at Caves Valley is a moment DeChambeau struggles to forget. Throughout the tournament, he appeared poised to claim victory, even tipping his cap to the crowd as he approached the 18th green in regulation play. A dramatic 12-foot birdie on the 16th hole gave him a one-shot lead, and he celebrated with a clenched fist. However, Patrick Cantlay proved an unrelenting challenger, sinking a crucial 8-foot par putt to keep himself in contention, setting the stage for an unforgettable duel.
During a recent conversation with NFL legend Tom Brady on Break 50, DeChambeau reflected on this haunting loss. When asked which moment he would erase from his career, he immediately mentioned the 2021 BMW Championship against Cantlay. Recalling the critical miss in the six-hole playoff, he described it as the most embarrassing moment of his career. “I thought everybody was behind me,” he said, describing the crowd’s disappointed reaction after he missed a 5-foot putt that could have secured his win. “It was just the biggest embarrassment that I’ve had on the golf course,” he admitted.
The missed putt wasn’t just a minor error—it symbolized a lost opportunity. DeChambeau had been dominant throughout the tournament and even survived a critical moment when Cantlay hit into the water on the 17th hole. Yet, he was unable to capitalize, ultimately faltering on the decisive putt. Reflecting on the moment, he vowed never to miss a similar putt again, frustration evident in his determination.
Despite the pain of that loss, DeChambeau has enjoyed numerous high points in his career. After transitioning to LIV Golf, there were doubts about whether he could maintain his form. However, 2024 proved to be a remarkable year for him. Highlights included a runner-up finish at the PGA Championship and a triumphant victory at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
The U.S. Open win was especially meaningful for DeChambeau. It marked not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal moment. He explained how the victory allowed him to honor Payne Stewart, a golfer he idolized, and pay tribute to his father. “You couldn’t have written a fairy tale story better than that one for me,” DeChambeau said, reflecting on his performance at Pinehurst. Recalling the final moments, he shared the emotional impact of knowing his father was watching: “It gets me emotional every time.”
DeChambeau’s connection to Pinehurst dates back to watching the 1999 U.S. Open with his father, where Stewart won in dramatic fashion. Winning at the same venue years later felt like a dream fulfilled. After sinking his final putt, DeChambeau celebrated both the title and the memory of his father, adding, “I just wish he would have seen it.”
Through his setbacks and triumphs, DeChambeau has showcased resilience and passion. From the painful lessons at Caves Valley to the elation of his U.S. Open victory, his journey is a testament to perseverance. DeChambeau continues to push forward, proving that success in golf—and life—is about how one navigates both the highs and the lows.