Matthew Pavon finished with his best major result at the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club. Pavon, who claimed his first DP World Tour title in Spain last October, has also become a PGA Tour champion this year. The dual-tour player secured a solo fifth place at the US Open, highlighting his standing among the world’s top golfers.
In the final round, Pavon played alongside US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau, who claimed his second major title, following his victory at the 2020 US Open. “It was a great day,” he said. “To tee off in the last round with a major champion like Bryson was a fantastic experience.”
“I enjoyed every moment on the course. The crowd was great, supporting the home players but also being fair to me, and it was amazing to feel that energy. I made a few birdies on the back nine to secure fifth place, which is really good.”
“I always compete against the golf course. Even seeing Rory McIlroy bombing drives, I do my thing. I always try to stick to my game plan, do what I know, and that makes my game stronger, creating chances for birdies. I made some great putts, and overall, it was an awesome week.”
Pavon entered the second-to-last men’s major of the season after failing to make the cut in two consecutive PGA Tour events. However, he delivered a standout performance on a challenging course, once again impressing on golf’s grandest stage. This result lifted him to a career-high 20th in the world rankings, boosting his confidence for the remainder of the year.
“We know there will be ups and downs in the game,” he added. “The last three weeks have been quite a rollercoaster for me. Being down at Quail Hollow wasn’t easy, but I always try to keep things simple.”
“I’ve been working on my fitness; I’ve felt tired in recent weeks, but now I’m back. One good week, a good feeling, and suddenly, you feel like you can win them all.”
Pavon also excelled last season. In addition to winning the Open de España in Madrid, he recorded two top-10 finishes. His impressive display in Madrid earned him PGA Tour membership, and he went on to win the Farmers Insurance Open in January, becoming the first Frenchman since 1907 to triumph on the PGA Tour. Furthermore, he secured a tied-12th finish at the April’s Masters Tournament, earning an invitation to return to Augusta National Golf Club next year for the Masters.
The 31-year-old reflected on this phase of his career, saying, “It’s been an incredible journey. Along the way, I’ve just worked hard with my team, all of us pushing together. I have a great group of people around me, very positive, very hardworking, and we try to keep things straightforward. I think that’s how I perform at my best. Maybe that’s what’s made the last year and a half different.”
(European Tour)