By Andrew Gourdie
American Golfer Webb Simpson has won his first major title with a one-shot victory at the US open.
The 26-year-old began the day four shots off the pace but an impressive final round two under 68 was enough to see him claim victory in just his fifth major appearance.
Webb took the title ahead of compatriot Michael Thompson and Ulsterman Graeme McDowell.
Plenty have seen their US Open hopes disappear on the treacherous course at the Olympic club this week.
Lee Westwood’s chances got stuck in a tree.
Tiger Woods was in contention at the start of the day, but six dropped shots on the first six holes put paid to that.
Even the leaders had trouble early on. Hopes of a second US Open title began to fade for Graeme McDowell with four bogeys on the front nine.
His partner Jim Furyk had been consistent all week, but the 2003 champion couldn't buy a birdie on the final day.
That gave hope to the chasing pack including a couple of relatively unknown Americans.
Michael Thompson provided clubhouse pressure with a three-under 67, while birdies at six, seven, and eight put Simpson in contention.
He shot a bogey-free back nine to post back-to-back 68s and leave him on top of the leaderboard at one over par.
The pressure on the final pair, McDowell birdied 17 to get within one. But it all fell apart for Furyk on the home stretch, as bogeys at 16 and 18 sealed his fate.
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