Webb Simpson claims his US Open victory. John Mummert / USGASource: NewsCore
SAN FRANCISCO -- Webb Simpson won the US Open at the Olympic Club in San Francisco on Sunday for his first major title.
The 26-year-old from Charlotte, N.C., started the day four strokes off the pace but fired a two-under 68 to become the ninth straight first-time major champion and 15th different winner in the past 15 majors.
Webb went into the clubhouse at one-over and in a tie for the lead with Jim Furyk, but the 2003 US Open champion bogeyed the par-five 16th to drop out of the lead.
Furyk, 42, shared the lead with fellow former winner Graeme McDowell going into Sunday, and both players headed to the 18th needing a birdie to force a playoff.
McDowell came closest but could not hole a 24-foot putt to pull level with Simpson and was forced to settle for par, finishing at two-over and in a tie for second with Michael Thompson.
Furyk, meanwhile, found two bunkers and ended with a bogey to be three-over and in a tie for fourth with Jason Dufner, Padraig Harrington, David Toms and John Peterson.
"It was nerve-racking. I know what kind of players [McDowell and Furyk] are. Both had won majors," Simpson said of watching the final stages from the clubhouse.
"I couldn't be happier right now."
Simpson had his wife Dowd, who is expecting, by his side and the pair celebrated with a kiss when McDowell missed his putt at 18.
"I needed her here with me because I've never felt nerves like I did today," Simpson said.
Tiger Woods, who held a share of the midway lead, shot a final-round 73 to be seven-over for the tournament and eight strokes adrift of the champion.
