‘That’s class’: Bryson DeChambeau delivers sporting gesture in defeat

Bryson DeChambeau stood on the range at Valhalla Golf Club, hands on his hips, and watched his fate unfold on a jumbotron. But as soon as Xander Schauffele rolled in a birdie putt from 6 feet, 2 inches on the 72nd hole, DeChambeau’s day was officially over.

Schauffele closed the 2024 PGA Championship with a six-under 65, good for a 21-under total and a one-stroke win over DeChambeau, who finished two pairings ahead of Schauffele and then went to the range to stay loose for a potential playoff.

Schauffele and Collin Morikawa held the 54-hole lead, but late in the day it was a three-horse race between Schauffele, DeChambeau and his playing partner, Viktor Hovland. DeChambeau and Hovland were 19 under, one back of Schauffele, and faced similar-length birdie putts on the 18th green. DeChambeau drained his putt from 11 feet to get to 20 under, tying Schauffele. Hovland missed, then missed again, making bogey.

Suddenly, after a key up-and-down par save on 17, Schauffele needed to birdie the 18th to win the first major of his career — and first tournament since July 2022 — or make par and force a playoff.

DeChambeau hit balls and watched from the range, but as soon as Schauffele rolled in the birdie putt, he stopped, showed little expression and marched back to the 18th green.

The telecast showed Schauffele hugging and high-fiving friends and family as he exited the green, and it wasn’t long until he got to another familiar face: DeChambeau.

It was a quick conversation — an embrace and a “Congrats” and both were on the their way.

“That’s class,” Jim Nantz said on the CBS broadcast. “DeChambeau comes over to give him a nod, a congratulatory handshake.”

This type of thing isn’t exactly unheard of on Tour. Rickie Fowler has done it often (and has also been criticized for it), even if he wasn’t in contention. But it still can be notable when it does happen; Nantz apparently thought so too. This came two days after Tommy Fleetwood made eagle on the 18th hole on Friday to make the cut on the number. DeChambeau, one of his playing partners, looked as thrilled as Fleetwood. He was one of the first to congratulate him.

On Sunday, as Schauffele made his way to the scorer’s test, DeChambeau walked a good 15 feet behind and off to the side, careful not to intrude on the victory walk. Afterwards, when speaking with the media, his first question was open-ended: Some great playing today to give it a run. What are your initial emotions watching that?

“First emotions, proud of Xander for finally getting the job done,” DeChambeau said. “I mean, he’s an amazing golfer and well deserved major champion now. He’s played well for a long, long time. Played against him as a junior. It’s cool to see him, not only he’s just a great human being, but an unbelievable golfer, and it shows this week. Super happy for him.”

It was the second straight major top-10 for DeChambeau, who tied for sixth at the Masters last month. He still has just one major title to his name, the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, but he likes where his game is. As for one of the last things he did before he left the property on Sunday? One more shoutout to the winner.