Glover All The Way
Surprise package Lucas Glover has fought off big name players like Phil Mickelson, Ricky Barnes, David Duval and Tiger Woods to claim his first victory in four years. The 109th US Open trophy now belongs to the American who finished with three-over 73 final round to finish 72 holes on four-under par 276 and win by two strokes over his closest contender Phil Mickelson. Closing in on the win, Glover showed extreme patience and composure over very windy conditions, his only previous title being the 2005 Disney Classic, again where he edged out Phil Mickelson and David Duval.
Glover entered the tournament as a qualifier and entered the day as equal leader with Ricky Barnes. Ricky Barnes fell back, with Glover also tenderly bogeying the third, fifth and ninth hole. He finally recovered with a birdie on the 16th, to steer closer to the trophy.
Phil Mickelson had to endure, for the fifth time, another heartbreaking runner up finish. But his inconsistent play held him back. A more disciplined approach to the final holes could have set him up for a more dominant finish rather than having to come from behind. His bogeys on the 15th and 17th, crippled his chances at the trophy.
Tiger Woods ended as a respectable sixth, despite entering the tournament as the punter’s favourite. His four birdies and three bogeys in the final round gave him a final score of level par 280. His long range game was there, but his putts did not allow him to narrow the lead.
The US Open 2009 demonstrated how the weather can play havoc on the strokes of even the best players. Many players could not adjust to the changing conditions and fell to the side. For Lucas Glover, his game held through consistently over the days of play and seized the opportunity to claim the prize.
