23 June,2009 08:20 AM IST | | AFP
Unlikely major champion Lucas Glover snapped a four-year victory drought yesterday by winning the 109th US Open while Phil Mickelson settled for a record-setting fifth runner-up finish.
Glover struggled to a three-over 73 final round at wind-whipped Bethpage Black but hung on to finish 72 holes on four-under par 276 for a two-stroke victory over Mickelson and fellow Americans Ricky Barnes and David Duval.
Proving a point
"I've never been there in a major and maybe that was motivation for me to prove it to myself that I did belong," Glover said. "I played good under pressure and I'm happy with myself."
Glover, whose only prior PGA title came at the 2005 Disney Classic when he holed out from a bunker, missed the cut in his three prior US Opens and his best finish in 11 prior major starts was a share of 20th at the 2007 Masters.
"I guess if I can win this one, I should be able to play all right every week," Glover said. "It will definitely be a big confidence boost."
World No 1 Tiger Woods made four birdies and three bogeys in a final-round 69 to finish on level par 280 and share sixth place.
"I didn't make the putts," Woods said. "I gave myself so many chances and I made nothing. My good ones aren't going in but my bad ones aren't even close."
