Simpson seals surprise US Open success
Webb Simpson kisses the US Open trophy after winning by one shot at The Olympic Club.
American Webb Simpson burst out of the pack to become the surprise winner of the United States Open in misty San Francisco today.
The 26-year-old was joint eighth with a round to go, but, after shooting a two-under-par 68 for a one-over total, he had to wait to see if it was good enough.
Jim Furyk looked the biggest danger at that point, but it turned out to be Graeme McDowell.
Simpson, playing only his fifth major and trying to become the ninth successive first-time winner in them, had become joint leader when compatriot Furyk bogeyed the short 13th.
He then led in front on his own when Furyk snap-hooked his drive down the long 16th and ran up a bogey six.
McDowell, joint leader at the start of the day, was two behind at that point, but when the 2010 champion sank a 10-foot putt at the long 17th he and Furyk both needed to birdie the 335-yard last to tie.
Both found the semi-rough off the tee, but while McDowell hit his second shot to 24 feet Furyk buried his in the sand to the left.
When the 2003 winner sent his play-off attempt off the green and into another bunker it was all down to McDowell, but he sent it wide.
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