Webb Simpson wins US Open at Olympic Club

Webb Simpson claimed his first Major title with a surprise triumph in the US Open at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.

On an absorbing final day's play, the 26-year-old shot a two-under-par 68 to gain the clubhouse lead on one-over for the tournament.

He then watched 2010 champion Graeme McDowell miss a 25-foot putt on the 18th that would have pushed the contest into a playoff.

McDowell and the 2003 champion, Jim Furyk, had started the final day in pole position on one-under for the tournament, while Simpson was joint-eighth with one round to go, four strokes behind the leaders.

But they were unable to hold onto the lead, with the Northern Irishman shooting a three-over-par 73 to finish one shot off Simpson.

He shared second place with American qualifier Michael Thompson, while Furyk threw away his chances with a vicious snap-hook tee shot on the mammoth par-five 16th, eventually carding a bogey six and dropping out of the lead for the first time all day.

The 42-year-old American could also forced a playoff on the last, but found the bunker and shot another bogey to card a 74 for a three-over-par total.

Furyk was tied fourth with John Peterson (70), Jason Dufner (70), Padraig Harrington (68) and David Toms (68).

Simpson began the day poorly, with bogeys on the par-four second and fifth. However, he was able to find championship-winning form around the turn, shooting four birdies in five holes.

Playing in only his fifth Major tournament, Simpson became the ninth-straight first-time winner of golf's four grand slam events. He is also the 15th different winner in the last 15 Majors.

"I've never felt nerves like I felt today," said Simpson, who rises to fifth in the world rankings. "I had to hit my legs because I couldn't feel them.

"I probably prayed more the last three holes than I ever did in my life."

After finishing joint runner-up, McDowell expressed his frustration at only being able to fine three fairways all day.

"It was grind and a slog, but I'll be back," said the 32-year-old, who added that he didn't bring his "A game" to the party.

"The fairways are very elusive, the greens are rock hard, and it's a tough test of golf, the toughest and I don't think anyone had their A game this week it's impossible to do," he added.

"So to compete as well as I did with my B plus game I'm very proud of myself."

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