Worldwide Golf

GREAME McDowell became the first European winner of the US Open since Tony Jacklin in 1970 by clinching his maiden Major title by one stroke at Pebble Beach.

The Northern Irishman carded a 3-over par 74 to finish level par for the tournament, one stroke ahead of French qualifier Gregory Havret with Ernie Els two shots back in third and Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods tied fourth.

“It’s an absolute dream come true, I’ve dreamed about this all my life,” said McDowell, who is sponsored by The Al Naboodah Group and won his fifth European Tour title in Wales two weeks earlier.

McDowell started the day three shots back from leader Dustin Johnson – a two time winner at Pebble Beach on the US PGA Tour. However, Johnson carded a triple bogey on the second hole and then fell behind with further dropped allowing McDowell to take the lead which he didn’t relinquish.

McDowell, from Portrush becomes the first Northern Irishman to win a major since Fred Daly clinched The Open at Hoylake in 1947 and the first Brit to win since Paul Laurie won at Carnoustie in 1999.

Havret, who came through 36 holes of qualifying at Walton Heath to make his first US Open, had two putts for birdie to catch McDowell on 17 and 18 but missed both. “I’m caught in between the best surprise of my life and the biggest disappointment too,” said the World No.390. “I’m second, which is probably the worst place, but it’s such a dream to play good golf here, four rounds beautifully.”