Gary Woodland wins 2019 US Open
Woodland claims a three-shot win at Pebble Beach
Gary Woodland has won his first major after claiming a three-shot victory in the 2019 US Open at Pebble Beach.
Woodland, a three-time PGA Tour winner, added a major to his CV when finishing on 13-under, three shots clear of defending champion Brooks Koepka who had been bidding for a historic US Open hat-trick.
Justin Rose, who played with Woodland in the final pair, could only posted a three-over par round to finish on seven-under par. The former champion was tied third with Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele and Chez Reavie.
Rory McIlroy had threatened to challenge for a fifth major, but faded into a tie for ninth.
Tiger Woods, meanwhile, ended the tournament in tied 21st after making a unsuccessful return to the scene of his first US Open victory in 2000.
Words of a US Open champion
Woodland led by two shots after Round 2 and a single shot after Round 3, but the pressure what turned up when playing partner Justin Rose moved into a share of the lead after the opening hole of the final round.
As Rose slipped away, it was Koepka – who started the final round four shots adrift of Woodland – won then closed to within one shot of the lead. But he couldn’t find any more birdies on the closing five holes.
And a two-under par 69 was enough for a three shot victory for Woodland, who was collegiate basketball player before concentrating on golf.
“It was special,” Woodland said. “I never thought the tournament was over. I never looked too far ahead. Once the putt on 18 went in, I let the emotion come out of me. It’s so special to do it here at Pebble Beach. I played to win.”
Koepka makes history
Koepka had been bidding to become only the second man in history to complete a hat-trick of US Open wins.
That was foiled, but the world number one did create a piece of unwanted history as the first ever player to post four rounds in the 60s without winning the US Open.
It is now runners-up finishes in both the Masters and US Open this year either side of victory in last month’s USPGA Championship.
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