Donald Trump sticks the knife into Rory McIlroy with Bryson DeChambeau message after dramatic end to US Open
Donald Trump rubbed salt into Rory McIlroy's wounds online
GETTY
Donald Trump appears to have rubbed salt in the wounds of Rory McIlroy with an over-the-top congratulatory message to Bryson DeChambeau after the dramatic end to the US Open.
DeChambeau held a three-shot advantage over the rest of the field heading into Sunday at Pinehurst, but McIlroy broke away from the chasing pack to push the American all the way.
It looked as though DeChambeau had blown it at one stage when McIlroy took a two-shot lead heading into the final five holes.
But back-to-back bogeys on holes 15 and 16 brought the pair level going into the final hole.
McIlroy - paired with Patrick Cantlay - was up first and missed a putt from four feet to save par.
Donald Trump rubbed salt into Rory McIlroy's wounds online
GETTY
That proved criticial as DeChambeau pulled off an incredible up-and-down with a 55-yard bunker shot to save par and clinch the US Open title.
McIlroy was filmed looking crestfallen before making a haste exit from the grounds just minutes after DeChambeau's putt dropped in.
The 30-year-old received high praise from his peers for his bunker shot and clinching his second US Open title.
And former US president Trump joined in the applause for DeChambeau with a message on social media platform Truth Social.
Trump wrote: "Congratulations to Bryson DeChambeau on his incredible WIN of the United States Open!
"He showed a toughness and inner strength, matched perfectly with his GREAT Golfing Talent, that can never be denied!
"Under massive pressure, he pulled off some of the greatest shots ever made, especially his spectacular sand save on the 18th Hole that gave him the Victory.
"'Mr. 58' has always been a WINNER, and will go on to many more Major Championships.
"He is a truly tough competitor, even a nasty one, but he also happens to be a great guy. The U.S.A. could not be better represented.
"Congratulations also to LIV Golf for their genius in signing Bryson and other of the best Golfers in the World.
Bryson DeChambeau won the US Open for a second time
REUTERS
"Hopefully Golf will soon come together as one, fully united, which is the way it should be!"
McIlroy was critical of Trump's leadership during the coronavirus pandemic and said on a podcast four years ago that he would never want to play a round of golf with him again.
In contrast, DeChambeau shares a close relationship with Trump and his family going back years.
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DeChambeau has said he is 'very lucky to have a relationship' with the former US president.
The two-time major champion celebrated his latest triumph with the Trump family at their Westchester National Golf Club on Monday.
He was greeted by Eric Trump and the celebrations included drinking wine from the US Open trophy.