Golfer and social media influencer Paige Spiranac blasted NBC golf analyst Brandel Chamblee's comments about U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau after his victory on Sunday (June 16).
"Brandel saying 'good fortune' is why Bryson won the US Open is wild. Doesn’t even try to hide his hatred for him. Smh," Spiranac wrote on her X account.
DeChambeau shot for par on the 18th hole to secure his second U.S. Open and major victory after Rory McIlroy missed a three-foot, nine-inch putt on 18 in the prior group. The California native entered the day with a three-stroke lead on McIlroy, who was tied with Matthieu Pavon and Patrick Cantlay at 4-under, and finished at 1-over for the day with two birdies and three bogeys.
Chamblee interviewed DeChambeau after his U.S. Open victory and the two appeared to be cordial, though other social media users also pointed out that the analyst's comment seemed to downplay the California native's victory. Spiranac collaborated with DeChambeau for content shared on their social media accounts earlier this year and credited the LIV Tour golfer for "growing the game" in a post that showed him allowing fans to touch the U.S. Open trophy after his tournament victory.
"I asked Bryson what’s his ultimate goal in life and he said it’s to grow the game of golf," Spiranac wrote. "This is growing the game. Really cool moment!"
Spiranac also defended McIlroy's decision to leave Pinehurst Resort and Country Club early after missing the putt that would've forced a playoff and potentially end his 10-year major drought.
"Hot take but I don’t care when athletes do this. He gave us everything he had on the course and gave us such an entertaining day. I feel for Rory right now and can’t even imagine how he’s feeling. Cut him a break," Spiranac wrote.