American Webb Simpson won his first major title at the 112th U.S. Open on Sunday in California. Jim Furyk and Graeme McDowell, who were tied for the lead, both failed to birdie the final hole to let Simpson move ahead.
The 26-year-old Simpson, who gained victory twice on the PGA Tour
last year, shot a two-under 68 on the final day to finish at one-over 281.
''To be honest,'' Simpson said, ''I never thought about, and I never really wrapped my mind around winning.''
He started the day at the 5th place and did not give up after two bogeys in the first five holes. His 4 birdies over the next 5 holes brought him into attention among the audience. His best shot came from the eight straight pars at last, securing him the honor to win the title.
Northern Irishman McDowell, the champion of the U.S. Open two years ago closed with a six-bogey 73 to tie for second with American Michael Thompson.
Furyk, U.S. Open champion in 2003, who had been doing quite well for over the week, made bogey on the final hole when he needed a birdie to give him a chance to win the major title. He never got it back and closed with a 74.
''I don't know how to put that one into words,'' said Furyk, ''but I had my opportunities and my chances and it was right there. It was, on that back nine, it was my tournament to win and I felt like if I went out there and shot even par, 1 under, I would have distanced myself from the field. And I wasn't able to do so.''
Three-times champion Tiger Woods expected to give us the best performance, but failed in winning his 15th major championship, ending at a 7-over 287 in a tie for 21st place .
"The first six, I just didn't play well at all," Woods told reporters. "I got off to such an awful start. I tried coming in, but I was too far out."
