Scottie Scheffler's performance at the U.S. Open concluded with a final round that mirrored his disappointing start to the tournament. The world No. 1 finished all four rounds over par for the first time in his major championship career, shooting 72 on Sunday. Despite being heavily favored to win, Scheffler struggled to make an impact, finishing 8-over 288 with only four birdies throughout the week. Known for averaging 5.22 birdies per round this season, Scheffler found it challenging to navigate the tricky greens at Pinehurst No. 2.
Expressing frustration with his putting, Scheffler admitted to struggling with reading the breaks on the greens, leading to unexpected outcomes on his putts. Looking ahead to the next U.S. Open at Pinehurst in 2029, Scheffler plans to spend more time familiarizing himself with the course's greens, noting the difficulty in finding similar practice conditions elsewhere.
Reflecting on his preparation, Scheffler mentioned the potential benefits of dedicating more time to practice instead of participating in the Memorial tournament, which he won. However, he emphasized his respect for Jack Nicklaus' tournament and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in it.
The USGA paid tribute to the late Hall of Famer Payne Stewart on the 25th anniversary of his U.S. Open victory. Special honors included Stewart's silhouette on flags and fencing around the 18th green, where he clinched his memorable win in 1999. Stewart's legacy lives on through a bronze statue at Pinehurst, commemorating his remarkable achievement.
Bryson DeChambeau made headlines with his unconventional approach to equipment, revealing his method of soaking golf balls in Epsom salt to ensure balance and consistency in flight. By marking the heavier side of the ball, DeChambeau aims to optimize its trajectory for improved accuracy.
Ohio State's Neal Shipley emerged as the low amateur at the U.S. Open, edging out Luke Clanton of Florida State. Shipley's consistent performance earned him the distinction of being the first player to achieve this feat at both the Masters and the U.S. Open in the same year since Viktor Hovland in 2019. Shipley finished at 6-over 286, while Clanton narrowly missed matching him, closing with an 8-over total.
