U.S. Open Champion Plans ‘Tricks Up My Sleeve’ for Oakmont After Runner-Up Finish

As Scottie Scheffler celebrated his third major championship victory at the PGA Championship, Bryson DeChambeau was left searching for answers after Quail Hollow’s infamous “Green Mile” derailed his title hopes for the second consecutive day.

“The Green Mile did it to me yesterday and kind of did it to me again today — and that’s golf, man,” said a frustrated DeChambeau, who finished tied for second at 6-under par, five shots behind Scheffler. “I’ve got to be more precise and fix what I can fix to make myself more consistent and get up there, the likes of what Scottie is doing right now.”

DeChambeau called his runner-up performance “baffling” while acknowledging the closing three-hole stretch at Quail Hollow ranks among the toughest finishes he’s faced in his career. After playing the Green Mile in 4-over par for the weekend, the power-hitting American seemed eager to put Charlotte in his rearview mirror.

Silver Linings and Future Plans

Despite the disappointment, DeChambeau can take some consolation in his recent major championship consistency. The result marks his third top-5 finish in the last four majors, including last summer’s victory at the U.S. Open. Over his last 11 majors, he’s recorded seven top-10 finishes.

“Always proud to top five in a major,” DeChambeau reflected. “I feel like I’m playing well when I’m doing that, but I mean, it’s disappointing not to get the job done because that’s what I came here to do.”

Now the 31-year-old turns his attention to next month’s U.S. Open at Oakmont, where he’ll seek his third national championship. With characteristic confidence, DeChambeau hinted at some innovations in the works.

“I’m going to work my butt off to make that happen,” DeChambeau said. “I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve that I’m going to be working on and hopefully bring for the U.S. Open, but I’ve got to get some equipment here soon.”

Career-Best Finishes for Co-Runners-Up

DeChambeau shared second place with Harris English and Davis Riley, both of whom recorded career-best major championship finishes.

English delivered Sunday’s low round with a 6-under 65, playing his final 12 holes in 6-under par. The impressive finish included one of just six birdies recorded on the difficult 18th hole all day.

“I feel like I’m a more well-rounded player now,” said English, who openly acknowledged the performance, strengthening his case for a Ryder Cup spot in September. “Playing at Whistling Straits, once you make one of those teams, you never want to miss out.”

For Riley, the T2 finish launched him to 53rd in the world rankings, securing a spot in next month’s U.S. Open field. The 28-year-old closed with a 1-over 72 but held his position after impressive rounds of 68 and 67 on Friday and Saturday.

“Hopefully, it will springboard me, and I can kind of get more in contention on some of these majors,” Riley said.

All three runners-up also earned automatic invitations to the 2026 Masters with their top-four finishes.