Glover Hangs On to Capture U.S. Open Title
June 22, 2009 by Jeff Greenwell
Filed under Golf
In a weekend that can only be described as strange and unpredictable, it seems fitting that a relative unknown 29 year old from South Carolina, who chews tobacco and listens to Sinatra no less, should find his name engraved on the U.S. Open trophy, right above one Tiger Woods. It was a final round of major collapses, rousing comebacks and whispers from past greats that highlighted Lucas Glover’s improbable U.S. Open win.
Lucas Glover wins the 109th U.S. Open Championship. (Image: Zuma Press)
Glover never relinquished the lead after the 12th hole, and finished up the round with a 3-over 73 and a two stroke victory. His birdie on the 16th broke a three-way tie for the lead, and his 73 was the highest final round score in the Open since Ernie Els’ 73 at Oakmont in 1994. But the only number that really mattered to Glover was his 4-under for the tourney, good enough for the championship.
Phil Mickelson made an early charge to gain a share of the lead, but an all too familiar collapse in the closing holes was “Lefty’s” undoing. He missed two par putts over the last four holes to fall behind Glover, and ended up tied for second at 2-under for the tournament. This was Mickelson’s record setting 5th runner up finish in U.S. Open history.
The enigmatic David Duval was also a co-leader at one point, flashing signs reminiscent of his time as the world’s number one golfer. Now ranked No.882, Duval reeled off three straight birdies to gain a share of the lead, before a par putt on the 17th rimmed out, effectively ending his chances for the win. Still, it was a nice showing for Duval, who hasn’t won on tour since 2001.
Ricky Barnes, the co-leader with Glover after 54 holes, had a monumental collapse in the final round, shooting 40 for the front nine, and finishing with a 76 for the day. His 2-under for the weekend left him in a tie for second with Mickelson and Duval.
With the win, Glover’s world ranking has skyrocketed from No.71 to No.17, and maybe even better, he pockets a $1.35 million purse.
