Bryson DeChambeau made history in more ways than one thanks to his U.S. Open victory Sunday.
Not only did the former SMU golfer pick up the second major victory of his career, he won the U.S. Open on the 25th anniversary of Payne Stewart, another former SMU golfer, winning the event in 1999.
The win for Stewart came four months before he, three associates and both pilots perished in a freak plane crash. His iconic celebration at Pinehurst No. 2 on the 18th hole is immortalized at the course in the form of a statue, which was moved for this year’s U.S. Open from the back of the 18th green to near the entrance, giving spectators a chance to see it and pose with it.
DeChambeau screamed as he walked off the 18th green on Sunday: “That’s Payne right there, baby!”
He continued the references to Stewart in the trophy presentation.
“Also to Payne Stewart, he was the reason why I went to SMU,” DeChambeau said. “The reason why I wore the cap.” After a fan in the stands yelled, DeChambeau responded: “Pony Up, that’s right. Go SMU.”
The SMU and Dallas connections at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina don’t stop there.
The golf course is owned by Bob Dedman Jr., who served as chairman of SMU’s Board of Trustees until 2022. He still lives in Dallas and serves multiple other roles for the university.
And in another local connection, the trainer who tended to DeChambeau when he was having a hip issue in the third round was also from Dallas.
Ryan Overturf, co-founder and CEO of The Move Project, helped out the former SMU player midway through his round on Saturday.
DeChambeau said at the time it was “two hips that are not fantastic” from his speed training that led him to ask for a trainer and get worked on in the woods after the 10th hole. He went to the 11th, belted a 347-yard drive, hit wedge safely to the center of the green and made a putt from just outside 12 feet to become the first player to reach 7-under all week.
Overturf has been traveling full-time with DeChambeau to help keep him healthy.
The praise for DeChambeau from SMU notables rolled in on Sunday afternoon.
Current SMU head football coach Rhett Lashlee chimed in on Twitter/X, congratulating DeChambeau and pointing out the SMU connection that Pinehurst has.
Payne Stewart + Bob Dedman + @b_dechambeau +@PinehurstResort +@smu = Winning Combo! @usopengolf
— Rhett Lashlee (@rhettlashlee) June 16, 2024
Former SMU and PGA Tour golfer Colt Knost, who’s now a commentator for CBS’ golf coverage shared his thoughts on the win as well.
Congrats @b_dechambeau! What an up and down at 18!! The man is an entertainer! Pony up! @SMUMustangs @SMUGolfM
— Colt Knost (@ColtKnost) June 16, 2024