Gary Woodland Holds off Brooks Koepka to Win First Ever Major in US Open at Pebble Beach
By Scott Rogust
Despite a tremendous comeback effort by defending champion Brooks Koepka, Gary Woodland (-13) was able to hold him off to win the 119th US Open. More importantly, Woodland secured his first ever major win.
Even with Koepka (-10) and Justin Rose (-7) nipping at his heels, Woodland was dominant throughout his stay at Pebble Beach.
Gary Woodland wins his first major championship! #USOpen pic.twitter.com/ZBh440wXqp
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 17, 2019
In fact, he held the 36-hole and 54-hole leads at the US Open. Prior to the tournament, Woodland was 0-for-7 in converting 54-hole leads into victories. That all changed on Sunday.
For a guy who hadn’t converted a 54 hole lead in 7 tries - Gary Woodland sure has looked calm all day then caps his first major with a bomb on 18. #usopen
— TSN Golf (@TSNGolf) June 17, 2019
Woodland would bogey on the 12th hole and have a bit of a scare on the 13th, but it didn't deter him. The 35-year-old hit a birdie on hole 14 to extend his lead over Koepka by two shots.
Woodland hit the dagger with a long birdie on the 18th hole to hold back the defending champ and earn his first ever major win.
WHAT A WAY TO FINISH!
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 17, 2019
CONGRATS, GARY WOODLAND! #USOpen pic.twitter.com/aPyRmdPiCE
The US Open had tight competition and a clutch swing, just what any golf fan would have wanted.