Glover stays cool to clinch first major

MODEST Lucas Glover admitted being humbled by winning the US Open after the unheralded American triumphed on a dramatic final day at Bethpage Black.

Glover, who previously had just one PGA Tour title to his name, clinched his first major victory by holding his nerve as his rivals crumbled.

A three-over-par final round of 73 left him on four under, two shots clear of rookie Ricky Barnes and old hands Phil Mickelson and David Duval. England’s Ross Fisher was next after a 72, while world No1 Tiger Woods was tied for sixth a further shot behind. Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy finished tied for 10th on his US Open debut.

Glover’s career-defining win saw him join an illustrious list of previous champions that includes Woods, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus.

The 29-year-old said: “I dreamed about it as a kid and now I’ve pulled it off. Here I stand. I get to be beside them. It’s an honour to be on the trophy with names such as these. I hope I don’t downgrade it or anything with my name on there.”

World No2 Mickelson held the joint lead after an eagle at 13 but had to settle for a record fifth runners-up place at the tournament – his last before taking time off while his wife is treated for cancer. “I want to win this tournament badly,” said Mickelson. “But there’s some more important things going on.”

Glover and Barnes had started the fifth day of a competition prolonged by bad weather five clear of the chasing pack on seven under par. Barnes collapsed with six bogeys in seven holes, while Mickelson, Duval and Fisher crept ever nearer as the round progressed.

Duval joined Glover and Mickelson on three-under at the 16th. But while the seasoned pair dropped shots at 17, Glover scored his first birdie of the day. That took him two clear – an advantage he never relinquished.

US OPEN FINAL LEADERBOARD