McDowell Wins US Open

Graeme McDowell ended a 40 year wait on Sunday night as he clinched the US Open by one shot at the historic Pebble Beach.

McDowell was three shots off the lead going into the final day with American Dustin Johnson leading on -6, but the American’s lead was soon to be cut down as he dropped six shots in four holes with a triple bogey at the 2nd, a double at the 3rd and he did well to only bogey the 4th after finding the Pacific Ocean off the tee.

The big three now had a chance to challenge for the title. The threat of Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els never materialised though. Mickelson and Woods struggled on the greens and could hardly muster a birdie between them all day. Els was very much in contention at one point being tied for the lead on -3 but he also faltered away after dropping four shots in three holes from the ninth.

McDowell’s nearest challenger now stood in the form of Gregory Havret. The un-fancied French qualifier was the epitome of cool all day, coping with playing alongside Woods with consummate ease. Playing in his first US Open, a bogey on the dreaded 17th left him on level par but he had his chance on the 18th but saw his 10-footer for birdie just slip by.

This left McDowell needing a par on the par-5 finishing hole to clinch his first major title. After a superb drive, his decision to lay up turned out to be possibly the best one of the day as his wedge from 99 yards found the middle of the green.

He said as he cradled the trophy he craved so much: “To have two putts for the US Open is like a dream come true, it’s amazing”.

After a 66 on Saturday many pundits were saying that Sunday will be the day that the Tiger comes roaring back.

It was not to be.

The world number one started his final round with erratic driving which is now becoming the norm as he struggles to regain his form after his long layoff. You could tell in his body language as well that five bogeys in the first 10 holes that his challenge was gone. You can’t help thinking what the outcome would have been if he had been at his best.

However, McDowell remained focused all round and a solid start of four pars, he found himself tied for the lead standing on the 5th tee as Johnson went into meltdown, finally carding a final round 82.

McDowell was full of confidence after winning the Welsh Open two weeks ago with weekend scores of 64 and 63.

In his own words he was:  “playing the golf of his life”.

Rising 24 places in the rankings to 13th in the World and confirming his place at this year’s Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor where he won so convincingly a fortnight ago. I can only imagine the grin on Captain Colin’s face.

The 30-year old from Portrush, now has his name in history after a closing 74 he became the first European since Tony Jacklin in 1970 to win the US Open.