Charles Howell III was very nearly the unexpected villain of the piece as he so nearly reeled in Bryson DeChambeau at LIV Golf Korea.
Howell III played superbly well in his final round to go within a shot of his Crushers captain down the stretch.
However, DeChambeau managed to hole a superb putt on 17 to take things away from Howell III and in the end, the US Open winner cruised to a two-shot win.
Still, it took a moment of brilliance from DeChambeau to see Howell III off and speaking about that moment after just narrowly losing out, Howell III was full of praise for his skipper.
Charles Howell III says why Bryson DeChambeau’s putt was so impressive
Getting right into the media duties after finishing on 18, Howell III was asked about trying to catch up to DeChambeau and if a playoff had entered his mind.
And being openly honest, Howell III admitted he had started to consider the playoff, before admitting DeChambeau’s putt on 17 was simply ‘awesome’.
“It absolutely did. I thought I had a better drive on 16, and it kind of kicked right up into the lip of that bunker. If I don’t make bogey there, I think I have a chance,” he admitted.
“Then Bryson’s putt on 17, I mean, let’s be honest, it was going. If that doesn’t hit the hole, maybe.
“Yeah, I’ll tell you what, I had seen how good that Paul and Ban had played and that we’d secured the team. To be honest, that makes a difference. It kind of frees you up a little bit because it’s a weird thing trying to maybe compete to win a golf tournament but also want the team to win. So you don’t want to do anything stupid coming down the stretch.
“To see those guys had played a really solid round of golf today, but man, Bryson, he kept it together at the end and managed to finish off strong. That putt on 17 was awesome.”
What Bryson DeChambeau had to say about Charles Howell III
Clearly delighted to get a first LIV win since 2023, Bryson DeChambeau cut an emotional figure as he spoke to the media on the course at the end.
However, while he was delighted to win himself and get over the line, like any true captain and sportsperson, DeChambeau also paid tribute to Howell III.
“Hats off to the Crushers first of all. We played great today. Sunday Crushers is back, I am proud of them. I am so proud of Chucky, the way he fought today. Showing that type of grit. Oh my gosh, that’s why I have him on the team. That’s why I love every one of them,” DeChambeau commented.
“Charles, Paul, Barn – it tears me up. It is fun being able to battle with your buddies but I want to kick his a— so bad! It was fun though. We had a great time today. But it was intense, super intense.
“Since the US Open, since Nashville. I feel like I have been playing great golf but not getting the job done. There was a lot of tension and I am glad I was able to step up to the plate and get it done.
“Again, hats off to Chucky. He is an unbelievable golfer and he played a hell of a round today.”
DeChambeau’s win meant he finally got one done after being in contention to win his last three events, including The Masters.
Now, his focus will switch to the PGA Championship as he looks to add a third major to his tally.
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