2024 U.S. OPEN: ROLEX TESTIMONEE BRYSON DECHAMBEAU CLAIMS SECOND MAJOR AND U.S. OPEN TITLE WITH THRILLING VICTORY AT PINEHURST
Geneva, 17 June 2024 – On Sunday 16 June, Rolex Testimonee Bryson DeChambeau produced a thrilling display of golf to claim his second U.S. Open title, having previously won the tournament in 2020.
The U.S. Open is one of the four annual men’s major championships and the 124th edition of the revered event was a hotly contested affair, characterized by tight scoring and fast greens. Having tied for sixth at the Masters Tournament and finished runner-up at the PGA Championship, DeChambeau entered the tournament in impressive form. Traditionally known for his long driving and tremendous swing speed, he navigated the challenges of Pinehurst No. 2 with superb skill and deft touch to remain in contention throughout, and to ultimately prevail over a field comprising the world’s best golfers. After a captivating three-under-par 67 on Saturday, the American took a commanding three-shot lead into the final round and claimed victory with a 6-under-par total of 274, carding rounds of 67, 69, 67 and 71.
To succeed at the U.S. Open requires precision, consistency and resilience, attributes that underline Rolex’s own pioneering spirit and quest for perpetual excellence, in its watchmaking and all other endeavours, and also typified DeChambeau’s winning performance. Now home to the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) headquarters, Pinehurst last staged the U.S. Open in 2014 and once again proved an outstanding venue for the penultimate men’s major of the season. Renowned for its challenging design and storied history, the course set the stage for a dramatic climax, and DeChambeau’s triumph was a fitting finale to the 1,000th USGA championship. His masterful performance throughout the tournament culminated in a victory that will be remembered for years to come. DeChambeau’s meticulous preparation, innovative approach and unwavering determination embody the core values for which Rolex stands.
Rolex has been Official Timekeeper at the U.S. Open since 1980 as part of its long-term commitment to the sport dating back almost 60 years, and the Swiss watchmaker’s Testimonees have a rich heritage of success at this major. DeChambeau is part of an exclusive group of winners that includes Arnold Palmer (1960), Jack Nicklaus (1962, 1967, 1972, 1980), Gary Player (1965), Tom Watson (1982), Curtis Strange (1988, 1989), Tiger Woods (2000, 2002, 2008), Retief Goosen (2001, 2004), Martin Kaymer (2014), Jordan Spieth (2015), Brooks Koepka (2017, 2018), Jon Rahm (2021) and Matt Fitzpatrick (2022).
After leaving the 18th green to a rapturous ovation from the fans, DeChambeau received the Jack Nicklaus Medal – a gold medal that has been awarded to the tournament winner since 1985 – and lifted the coveted U.S. Open Trophy. Reflecting on what it meant to claim his second major crown, having won the U.S. Open four years ago at Winged Foot, DeChambeau said: “To follow in the footsteps of legends that have come before me, and for Rolex to have supported them throughout their careers means the world to be a part of that family. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the Rolex family.”
Several other members of the Rolex family enjoyed strong showings at the 2024 U.S. Open, including Ludvig Åberg, who led the field after two rounds before finishing tied for 12th. In just his third appearance at a major championship, the Swede showcased all aspects of his prodigious talent. The 24-year-old became the first player since 2015 to begin a U.S. Open by hitting the first 20 fairways of the championship. Vying for his maiden U.S. Open title and second major crown, fellow Testimonee Hideki Matsuyama recorded the only bogey-free round on Friday to surge up the leaderboard and finished the tournament in sixth place.
ABOUT ROLEX AND GOLF
Rolex is committed to the permanent quest for excellence in all its endeavours and has been a long-term supporter of golf in its pursuit of the same. The brand’s enduring relationship with the sport began almost 60 years ago, in 1967, when Arnold Palmer, joined by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, became the brand’s first golfing Testimonees. Known together as The Big Three, these legendary players changed the face of golf forever, and their partnership with Rolex marked the beginning of a relationship based on the shared commitment to continuous improvement and unwavering precision. Since then, the affiliation has grown and flourished, permeating every level of the game worldwide. From elite players and golf legends to all the game’s Major championships, where success represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sport, as well as the foremost professional tours and worldwide amateur championships, Rolex is ever-present.
Rolex is deeply committed to the amateur game, and is a partner of important amateur tournaments across the globe, including the ground-breaking Augusta National Women’s Amateur launched in 2019, The British Amateur Championship, U.S. Amateur Championship, European Amateur Championship, Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, Latin America Amateur Championship and Women’s Amateur Latin America Championship. Rolex also supports the leading amateur team competitions, the Arnold Palmer Cup, Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, Junior Ryder Cup and World Amateur Team Championships. The Swiss manufacturer’s support for the game is built on a strong sense of integrity and respect for tradition that promote the continuity of expertise and transfer of knowledge, and an understanding of the importance of investing in the sport’s development for future generations.