Bryson DeChambeau's subtle U.S. Open sportsmanship merits kudos

Before Bryson DeChambeau rolled in his short putt on the 18th hole of Pinehurst No. 2 to win the U.S. Open on Sunday, he subtly performed an act of sportsmanship. 

Right after DeChambeau hit the shot of his life — a brilliant, 55-yard bunker shot to four feet — his playing partner, Matthieu Pavon, lagged his birdie putt inside the American's ball marker.

Now, even though Pavon was closer to the hole, it's customary for a player in his position to putt first and let his partner have the stage. That way, if DeChambeau makes his putt to win the U.S. Open, he can properly soak up the moment and celebrate all he wants.

But that's not what happened.

The broadcast shows Pavon offer to putt first on the 72nd hole of the event. DeChambeau declines, and according to Pavon, there's an honorable reason why.

"When we got to the side to [record our scores] I said, 'Bryson, I'm really sorry, dude. I should've probably finished it.' And he said, 'Dude, you've done the right thing. It's important for you, and you've done the right call,'" Pavon told Dan Rapaport of the "Fore Play" podcast Wednesday.

"This is what he said. He said, 'Thanks for not doing it because you would've shown me the line, and I think it's not fair for Rory [McIlroy]. I don't want to win it that way.'"