US golfer Webb Simpson clinched his first major title with a nerve-jangling one-shot victory at the 112th US Open after overhauling overnight leaders Jim Furyk and Graeme McDowell.
The 26-year-old Simpson, who triumphed twice on the PGA Tour last year, charged into contention with four birdies in five holes around the turn on the way to a two-under-par 68.
On a foggy afternoon at the brutally difficult Olympic Club, Simpson coolly pared his last eight holes to finish at one-over 281 as the other main contenders faded over the closing stretch.
«It was pretty nerve wracking,» Simpson told NBC television after earning the winner’s cheque for US$1.44 million in the year’s second major. «I knew it was a tough golf course.
«I had to go out and do as well as I could. I probably prayed more the last three holes than I’ve ever done in my life. It helped me stay calm and get in with two under.»
Simpson, who got up and down from greenside rough to save par at the last, became the ninth consecutive first-time winner of a major, and the 15th different player in succession to claim one of golf’s blue riband events.
Northern Irishman McDowell, US Open champion at Pebble Beach two years ago, closed with a six-bogey 73 to finish joint second with little known American Michael Thompson (67).
As Simpson and his wife Dowd watched on television, McDowell had a chance to force a playoff with a downhill birdie putt from 25 feet at the par-four last but his attempt slid past the left edge of the cup.
«I thought even though Graeme had a 25-footer, it was probably going to hit the hole or have a good chance,» Simpson said after being presented with the glittering U.S. Open trophy.
«I couldn’t be happier right now. Congrats to Graeme and Michael for playing great golf.»
McDowell rued a final round in which he hit only three fairways out of 14 off the tee.
«There’s a mixture of emotions inside me right now, disappointment, deflation, pride but mostly just frustration,» the 32-year-old said.
«That’s the US Open. You’re supposed to hit it in some fairways. And that was the key today really for me.»
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