IDENTITY OF US OPEN PRESENTATION GATECRASHER SOLVED

FROM THE GOLF.COM WEBSITE

The mystery of the U.S. Open trophy-presentation crasher, who charged onto the 18th green at Olympic Club in a Union Jack hat and made a bird noise before being roughly escorted off by the USGA's Mike Davis, has been solved.

According to Awful Announcing's Matt Yoder, the rooster-ish gent is a 40-year-old man from the U.K. who goes by "Jungle Bird." Writes Yoder:

Jungle Bird's Facebook page describes himself as a "fictional character" and "activist dedicated to raising awareness of deforestation :-)." Perhaps yesterday's episode will push him above 100 likes on Facebook.

Yes, we know this guy did it for attention. And yes, we know Truth & Rumors is providing that attention.

DRAKEFORD, CHESTERS SET FOUR-UNDER-PAR PACE IN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING

FROM THE R AND A WEBSITE

In perfect conditions at Royal Troon and Glasgow-Gailes Links, Australia’s Geoff Drakeford and England’s Ashley Chesters lead the way with a pair of 4-under par 67s at the half-way stage of the stroke play qualifying stage of the 2012 Amateur Championship.

Drakeford shot five birdies at Troon including a chip-in at the par-4 15^th on the way to an impressive 67. Chambers, playing at Glasgow-Gailes, matched the 4-under total and missed out on the outright lead after narrowly missing out for par on the 18^th.

Drakeford, ranked 88^th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), who grew up playing alongside last year’s champion from Down Under, Bryden Macpherson, said, “It’s a great experience being here, with a lot on the line, I have a great incentive to win. I’ll go out there with the same attitude tomorrow.”

Last year, Chesters of Hawkstone Park, reached the last 16 before being defeated on the final hole by Frenchman Sebastian Gros. He said, “This is the biggest event I’ve played. I did well last year, so it would be nice to do it again or go further.”

Other notable scores at Royal Troon included a three-under par 68 from James White of Lundin Links.  The 2011 SGU Order of Merit Champion, pictured, said, “The course is so demanding, course management needs to be spot on, and that’s what I did right today.  This is a huge week for me. It’s the biggest event as an amateur, everyone wants to do well and the course suits my game.”

White’s 3-under par total was matched by Austrian Matthias Schwab and Adrien Saddier of France. The highest ranked player in the field Daan Huizing (5^th), posted a 1-over par 72.  The Dutchman who has come off the back of rampant victories at the Lytham Trophy and St Andrews Links Trophy said, “Troon is one of the toughest links courses I’ve played. I am happy with 1-over par, even without the wind.”
Over at Glasgow Gailes, on-form Max Orrin posted the second best score of the day with a 3-under par 68. 

Pedro Figueiredo, the 2008 British Boys Amateur Champion from Portugal, ranked 19^th in WAGR, carded a 69, matched by Belgian Xavier Fayaerts and American Will McCurdy.

McCurdy said, “The weather dictates the scoring. This almost played like American golf today.  I was able to come over with my cousin who is also playing. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.”
The final round of the stroke-play qualifying is played tomorrow, with the top 64 and ties progressing to the match play stage of the competition.


Click here for a full list of scores.

RESULTS OF SEMI-FINALS IN ABERDEEN LINKS CHAMPIONSHIPS

ABERDEEN LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP

Semi-finals

Matt Greig (Bon Accord)) bt Lee Morrice (Caledonian) 2 and 1

Barrie Edmond (Bon Accord) bt Stuart Finnie (Caledonian) 3 and 2.

HANDICAP SHIELD

Semi-finals

David Oliver (Caledonian) (7) bt J Inglis (Northern) (7) 2 and 1

Graeme Meade (Caledonian) (6) bt E M Leslie (Bon Accord) (8) 3 and 1.

MURRAY CUP

Semi-finals

Frank Kennedy (Caledonian) (13) bt S Kennedy (Northern) (10) 3 and 2

Stuart Meade (C) (12) bt R Anderson (Caledonian) (11) 6 and 5.

ABERDEEN TRADES FOURSOMES SCOREBOARD

AT HAZLEHEAD No 1 COURSE

SECOND ROUND

TULLOCH RECRUITMENT bt TRANSOCEAN by one hole
(T Allan and J Hewitt 4, A Doig and D Macklin 0; G Allan and S Allan 0, M Rae and R Ross 3).

BAKER HUGHES walkover

SPARROWS GROUP walkover AMC/FORUM ENGINEERING SCR.

GREENKEEPERS bt CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS by 10 holes
(G Mitchell and D Elrick 6, A Cowie and S Tweedie 0; R MacRae and D Grant 4, R Christie, J Henderson 0).

GRAMPIAN POLICE walkover PLUMBERS scratched

LAWYERS bt LICENSED TRADE by 10 holes
(W Barclay and J Christie 6, R Nicol and S Cruickshank 9; W Park and S Allan 4, B Sim and J Gray 0).

MORRISON CONSTRUCTION bt GARAGE TRADE by one hole.
(R Wells and D Davie 0, D Mullen and G Bridges 7; G Horne and K MacRae 8, G Goodfellow junior and S Feaks 0).

LATE ENTRIES FOR EAST OF SCOTLAND OPEN AMATEUR STROKE-PLAY

Late entries for the East of Scotland open amateur stroke-play championship, presented by Golf in Dubai, at Lundin Links on Saturday-Sunday, June 30-July 1 should be faxed without delay to 01333 329743. 

BIRTH OF SECOND BABY MAY KO SIMPSON FROM OUR OPEN

New US Open champion Webb Simpson, whose closing 68 in San Francisco made it an incredible nine first-time winners in a row in the majors, is unlikely to go for the next Major, the Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

It starts four weeks on Thursday and Simpson's wife, Dowd, is expecting their second child in six weeks.

"Officially I don't know yet," he said after beating compatriot Michael Thompson and Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell by a shot at the Olympic Club.

"The next eight weeks are going to be up in the air. We're going to see what we can do."

His wife gave a more revealing answer, however.

"I don't think he is going to play the British Open just in case I go into labour," she told reporters. "It would make Webb too nervous to hop over the pond and then have to try to get back."

Family is always going to come first, but Simpson must be sorely tempted to try to emulate the US Open-Open double feat of Bobby Jones (1926 and 1930), Gene Sarazen (1932), Ben Hogan (1953), Lee Trevino (1971), Tom Watson (1982) and Tiger Woods (2000).
Simpson's first-ever round in our Open championship was a 66 at Sandwich last year. It put him only one off the lead but he went on to finish 16th.
Last week was only the fifth major of his career, but he had no reason to believe that that barred him from being a contender - Keegan Bradley won the USPGA Championship last August at his first attempt.
Simpson was six behind with 13 holes to play on Sunday, but four birdies in five holes form the sixth brought him into the hunt and the errors of others then made him champion in a real war of attrition.

HUGH HUNTER'S CLACKMANNAN COUNTY NEWS

ASTOUNDING ALLAN AT ROWALLAN

Showing considerable class, Lawrence Allan (Alva) won the Scottish Junior Tour event by two shots at Rowallan in Ayrshire.  His four round total of 291 (78, 73, 68, 72) left the rest of the elite Scottish boys trailing in his wake, and his win showed considerable strength of character, and proves he can compete at the very highest levels of golf 
Lawrence, pictured, the current Clackmannan County Men’s Champion,opened with a 78 in horrendous conditions--- an outward nine of 42 could have demotivated many, but he fought back with nine pars on the back nine and after that never looked back. 
Trailing by four shots after round one, he steadied his golf with a two over par 73 (2 birdies and 4 bogeys).  That put him into a joint leading position, and with a bogey free, 3 birdie third round, he led by four. 
With a bit of pressure on now, he stayed cool and did a two over par 72 in the last round--- enough to win the event. His good golfing form came just at the right time--- with team selections imminent; he must have attracted the eye of the selectors. 
Well done Lawrence!!

Lawrence continues to have a busy week playing in the prestigious Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters in Kent from Thursday till Sunday, along with eight other Scottish boys.

 PAUL LAWRIE SCHOOLS HAMPIONSHIPS.

Clackmannan was represented at the annual Schools Championships held at Murrayshall over 36 holes last week Alva’s Lawrence Allan led the way with 76, 70 followed by the ever improving Scott Beattie  (80, 75.)  It was a disappointing that the third member did not return a second round score, thus denying the Clackmannan team a reasonable placing in the team competition.

In the girls' competition, Eilidh Watson representing Forth Valley finished 7th in the individual event with scores of 74 ,74--- the Forth Valley Girls team finished in 4th position out of 11 teams.

The annual Schools International will be played at Hesketh, Merseyside on 10th September.  Last year Lawrence Allan captained the Boys team to their first win for some time and it looks highly likely that he will retain his position.

CENTRAL SCOTLAND SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Bob Stewart (Tulliallan) is a bit down the Senior Order of Merit, but has a good chance this week when the Scottish Seniors Golfing Society play their 36 hole event at Glenbervie---- a very familiar course to Bob.  Also in the field are Peter Macleod. Mike Rust (both Braehead) and Phil Dempsey (Tulliallan). Because of a very large entry, George Kay (Alloa) and Ian Peddie (Tulliallan)  are both on the reserve list.

TENNANT CUP

The long established, highly prestigious Tennant Cup is being played this weekend, and has locals Jamie Aitken (Alloa) and Scott Borrowman (Dollar) in the field.  Scott moves on to try his golfing skills in the Open Championship Regional qualifying at Bruntsfield Links--- one of 14 venues being used.  Top qualifiers move on to the final qualifying in early July

CHALLENGE TOUR NEWS

 In the weekend’s Challenge tour event at St Omer in France, Tulliallan’s Callum Macaulay agonisingly missed the cut by one shot with scores of 73 and 75.  
Callum is in action this week at the Scottish Hydro tour event at the 7100, par 71 Spey Valley course at Aviemore.   Twenty-five Scots are in the entry list. Callum could do with a good finish as he is now outside the top twenty in the Challenge Tour rankings.

                         LOCAL EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

     23rd June   Open Greensomes   Tillicoultry.

     23rd June   Sir James Younger Open   Braehead.

2012 FIFE GOLFING ASSOCIATION BOYS ORDER OF MERIT

In association with www.MyGolfRanking.co.uk 

Positions after seven events

1 Ryan Walsh (Kirkcaldy) 300 pts

2 Ewan Scott (St Andrews) 270

3 Greg Forrester (Lundin) 220

4 Alisdair McDougall (St Andrews New) 150

5 Ben Kinsley (St Andrews) 140

6 Ryan Brown (Dunfermline) 130

7 Niall McMullen (Lochgelly) 80

T8 Daniel Neilson (Aberdour) 73

T8 Kyle Ritchie (Leven Thistle) 73

T8 Robbie Spriddle (Dunfermline) 73

T8 David Stewart (Lochgelly) 73.

The next counting event for the 2012 FIFE BOYS ORDER OF MERIT is the ELMWOOD BOYS OPEN on June 30.

INVERNESS PAIR DOUGLAS AND TYRONNEY WIN TRIP TO MEXICO

By COLIN FARQUHARSON Colin@scottishgolfview.com The Inverness Golf Club pairing of professional Mel Douglas and amateur member Gary Tyronney, who has 11 of a handicap, won themselves a trip to Mexico in December today. They headed a field of 36 similar partnerships from all over Scotland in the  Virgin Atlantic PGA National Pro-Am regional qualifier at Crieff Golf Club with an outstanding net score of 11-under-par 60. Douglas and Tyronney dovetailed brilliantly to record two net eagles and eighth net birdies ... after starting off on a low note with their only bogey at the first hole. Douglas earned the first pro prize of £500 but he will be hoping Gary can help him win a lot more in the £30,000 Grand Final at Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort and Cancun, Mexico from December 4 to 8. The winners of 16 regional finals will make up the field. There is one more Scottish qualifier - at Haggs Castle on July 26. Runners-up on 62 were Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel's pro Alan Tait and 15-handicapper John McHardy. They had seven net birdies and finished with a flourish, nothing an eagle 2 at the last hole, but it still wasn't enough to overhaul the winners. Tait's consolation prize amounted to £350. Third on 64 were the Panmure pairing of pro Andrew Crerar and Gordon Little who plays off 15). Andrew earned £250. LEADING NET TOTALS Par 71 pro named first in each pairing 60 Mel Douglas and Gary Tyronney (Inverness). 62 Alan Tait and John McHardy (Marriott Dalmahoy) 64 Andrew Crerar (Panmure) and Gordon Liddle (15). 65  Kenneth Kelly and Sandy Robert (Baberton). 66 Craig Donnelly and Moir Gibson (Balbirnie Park), Kenny Hutton and Jim Irons (Downfield), Stuart Syme and Mark Little (Dumfries & Co) 67 Paul Wytrazek and Ian Browse (Burntisland), Greg McFarlane and John Morrison (Grangemouth Municipal), Margin Piggot and Iain McPhail (Loch Ness), Greg Cowbrough and Brian Godsman (Muckhart). 68 Michael Rae and Stuart Martin (Alyth), Paul Fiddes and Adam Ramsey (Matfen Hall), Martyn Huish and Alistair Simpson (North Berwick). 69 Christopher Nugent and Ken Forbes (Dunfermline), Steven Dunsmore and Jim Matheson (Falkirk Tryst), Craig Mackie and Steve Fenton (Scotscraig), George Bruce and Ross McDonald (Westhill). 70 Andrew Meikle and Simon Watts (Archerfield Links), Ian Taylor and Alan Hendrie (Drumpellier), Alastair Webster and David Burnett (Edzell), Sandy Smithy and Damon Lee (Ladybank), Gary Forbes and Gerry McGuinness (Murcar Links). 71 David Naylor and Richard Usher (Banchory), Mark Piriie and Andrew Wyllie (Pitlochry), Andrew Erskine and Brian Wiley (Ratho Park), Ian Collins and Barry Bell (Stirling). 72 Steven Moir and Graham Black (Aboyne), Keith Baxtger and Jim Allan (Buchanan Castle)), Kevin Phillips and Brian Smith (Winterfield). 73 Allan Knox and Douglas Blues (King James VI) 75 Martin Goldie and Steven Welch (Kames CC). 77 Robert Irvine and Gary Morris (Douglas Park), Jacky Montgomery and Alasdair Gill (Dunbar). 78 Jason Boyd and Jeff Strachan (Montrose Links) 79 Alan Logan and David Nelson (Cochrane Castle).

SOUTH AFRICAN PROSPECT FRITTELLI SIGNED UP BY I M G

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY I M G 

South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli announced today that he has turned professional and signed with IMG, the world’s leading sports, entertainment and media company, for worldwide management and marketing representation.

Frittelli will make his professional debut this week at the BMW International in Cologne, Germany, courtesy of a sponsor’s invitation after an outstanding amateur career which saw him spend the last four years representing the University of Texas and finishing his college career ranked third on the final individual college rankings.

Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Frittelli won the 2008 South African Boys Championship and was ranked number one on both the South African Amateur rankings and South African Junior Rankings before heading to the renowned University of Texas on a golf scholarship. His college career was littered with accolades and awards, culminating at the NCAA Championships when he sunk a 30ft birdie putt to win the NCAA Championships for the Texas Longhorns at Riviera Country Club two weeks ago.

Through his excellent senior year Frittelli earned 1st Team All American status and won the 2012 Byron Nelson Award, given to the collegiate golfer with the best playing, academic and community service record.

Frittelli explained, “I had an amazing experience at college, developing both my golf and myself and now I feel I am ready for life as a professional golfer and can’t wait to get started. I am delighted to be teaming up with IMG who I believe are best placed to guide me through the next phase of my career. They have all the knowledge and experience of working with the best players at every stage of their careers and, with offices around the world, they have the global coverage I hope I will need as my career develops.”

He continued, “I am very grateful to BMW for giving me the chance to start my career at such a prestigious event and hope I can do this fantastic opportunity justice. I have only played in Europe once and that was also in Germany, so I’m really looking forward to going back.” 

Duncan Reid of IMG London will manage Frittelli with assistance from Robyn Cox and Jacques Retief in IMG South Africa and Ben Walter in the USA. He commented,

“Dylan has had a phenomenal amateur career and, after four well-spent years honing his game and gaining experience at the University of Texas, we believe he is ready for a very successful professional golfing career. We think he has an extremely exciting future ahead of him and look forward to working with him.”

 Guy Kinnings added, “There is a real buzz amongst the golf aficionados about Dylan. He seems to have it all - talent, results and a charismatic personality. We are very happy he has chosen IMG and are confident that he will follow in the footsteps of some of our other great South African clients, such as Gary Player and Retief Goosen.”

. McDOWELL RENEWS BELIEF HE'S A MAJOR MAN IN PRO GOLF

FROM THE BBCSPORT.COM WEBSITE

Graeme McDowell says he has "renewed belief" he can win more major championships after tying for second place at the US Open in San Francisco.

The 2010 champion finished one stroke behind the winner, American Webb Simpson."The fact I came second and gave myself a chance of winning means I will take a huge number of positives from this week," said McDowell.

"I was nervous on the last two days but hit quality shots under pressure. I am very proud of how I played overall."

McDowell went into Sunday's final round joint top of the leaderboard with American Jim Furyk, but paid the penalty for a "disappointing" start to his final round.

"It was tough out there, I got off to a slow start and didn't give myself opportunities," he said.

"It was disappointing but I missed too many fairways and that is not ideal at the US Open.

"I thought I was in with a chance after birdies at the 11th and 12th, but then I hit a bad shot at 13 and bogeyed 14.

"At least the birdie at 17 gave me an opportunity going down the last, but in the end I fell just short.

"These tournaments are a bit like riding a rollercoaster - it hurts at the time and it's a bit scary but when you look back, you think 'that's pretty enjoyable, I'd like to do that again'.

"The crowd were fantastic, they really kept me going, I'm just disappointed I couldn't do it for them."

McDowell now lies fourth in the European Ryder Cup points list and has moved up to 11th in the world rankings.

"I'm excited about the Irish Open, and I guess there will be a little bit of expectation on me now," he added.

ROYAL DORNOCH GOLF CLUB OPENS NEW HALFWAY HOUSE

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY ROYAL DORNOCH GOLF CLUB

Dornoch, Sutherland: Royal Dornoch Golf Club, the renowned Championship course in the Scottish Highlands, continues to invest in facilities ensuring they match the standard golfers expect from world championship courses, with the environmentally friendly Halfway House being officially opened by Mrs Alison S Burnett, a long standing member of the Royal Dornoch Golf Club.

Having been actively involved and playing on the course for 52 years Mrs. Burnett has seen many developments that have helped enhance the experience of Royal Dornoch Championship Course, but none have been quite so personal as the Halfway House.

“I love playing golf and have played at many championship resorts worldwide, when I first recognised the advantages of having a more conducive place to stop along my round, I knew this was something we should do at Royal Dornoch.” 

Comments Mrs Burnett: “I was delighted when the committee and management agreed and am even more delighted when I see the sympathetic design that complements our natural links course.”

General Manager Neil Hampton notes “Golf is a world sport and with the levels of facilities ever increasing, Royal Dornoch considers ourselves a world class course and therefore it was vital to invest in a Halfway House.  The bar is continually rising from our visitors and our members for the level of amenities as well as the course; we were pleased with the fit of Mrs. Burnett‘s suggestion to that of the ongoing development plans at the club.” 

The stunning Halfway House is situated behind the ninth green, with views back over the first nine holes of the Royal Dornoch Championship Course and the Dornoch Firth in the background. 

The elliptical design was a clear choice to meet the requirements of creating an empathetic building that could nestle within the curve of the hills.  The structure meets all the aspirations outlined being constructed in concrete for long lasting robustness, clad in natural sustainable larch with Douglas Fir supports and a sedum roof that blends the building into the course.  

The halfway house consists of two toilets, with secure entry pad system for use by golfers on the course and a service area that will provide refreshments and snacks on competition days and as required throughout the 2012 season.

Colin Henderson, of architects Neil Sutherland comments “This has been one of the most straightforward projects to have worked on. The client clearly new their requirements, the environmental impact and the needs of their customers.  When you add this to the ease of working with local contractors who understood the materials meant we moved from conception to completion in 3 months.   

"Royal Dornoch Golf Club members and visitors will, I’m sure, have a facility they will make good use of this season and for many more years.”

General Manager Neil Hampton added that Royal Dornoch endeavours to use locally-based companies where possible and the level of design and craftsmanship from J S Gunn of Dornoch and Richard MacKenzie in Tain worked well in creating the vision of Inverness-based architects Neil Sutherland.

The appreciation of the setting and enhancing the natural beauty of the traditional links course helps confirm the status of the Sutherland based Championship course.

Founded in 1877, Royal Dornoch Golf Club presents exceptional standards that extend beyond the courses and greens to the restaurant, bar and lounge and other facilities. The course is consistently ranked amongst the top 20 of the world’s top 100 courses and has previously been awarded Golf Tourism Scotland’s “Course of the Year”.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Royal Dornoch Golf Club was founded in the late 19^th Century as a private members club, and was given the Royal title by King Edward VII in 1906. The club boasts a Championship course as well as a second 18-hole course, the Struie. Over the years the club has played host to many events such as the Northern Open, the Scottish Ladies, and the Scottish Professional and Scottish Amateur Championships. The club is situated in the town of Dornoch, 45 miles from the gateway to the Highlands, Inverness and its airport.

LANARKSHIRE BOYS TEAM TO PLAY RENFREWSHIRE AT CALDWELL

Lanarkshire Boys play Renfrewshire boys this Sunday in a West of Scotland League match.

The game is at Caldwell Golf Club with an 11am start.

There are four Under-18s and four Under-16s.

 

Under 18s

1. Dominic Dougan  Colville Park

2. Calum Harrison  Carluke

3. Craig Boyd   Lanark

4. Keiran Farrell  Lanark

 

Under 16s

1. Fraser Kane  Cambuslang

2. Sam Campbell  Cambuslang

3. Innes Ferguson  Drumpellier

4. Jay Hainie Hamilton

 

  Willie Sharpe

BRITISH AMATEUR QUALIFYING SCORES AT ROYAL TROON AND GLASGOW GAILES

The British amateur championship starts today with the first of two qualifying rounds at Royal Troon and Glasgow Gailes golf clubs.

To view the scoring on the R and A website

CLICK HERE

LEE WESTWOOD TO MOVE HIS BASE FROM WORKSOP TO FLORIDA

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE

By James Corrigan, at the Olympic Club, San Francisco

Lee Westwood has heard the cheers and felt the warmth. That is why he is turning his back on his home town of Worksop for the sunshine of Florida.

On Sunday night, there was the little matter of the US Open occupying his focus as he attempted to become the first English winner of a major in 16 years.

But before setting out on the treacherous Olympic track he explained the reasons for the move. After years of what he calls “ambivalence”, Westwood has finally been seduced by the States.

“It’s fair to say I’ve grown to love playing in America,” said Westwood, talking about the life change for the first time.

“It’s amazing how much support I’ve been having out there. On every hole there’s fans chanting ‘Go Westy’ or ‘Come on Lee’. I used to be ambivalent about playing over here but you change; you learn to know what you want.”

Not so long ago, Westwood did not really want America. He resigned his membership of the PGA Tour and opted not to play the 2011 Players Championship.

He shunned the chance to win $10 million at the FedEx Cup, saying that he “would prefer to be on holiday with the kids” rather than compete in the end-of-season play-offs.

But then he watched Luke Donald come so close to winning the FedEx in 2010 and last year declared that he wanted a piece of that action – this season he would sign back up. Now it is case of in for $10 million, leave behind the pound. So a few days after Christmas, West Palm will welcome another famous resident.

“It’s hard to practise when you want to practise in the UK,” said Westwood, the latest weather report from Worksop only strengthening his conviction.

“Yes, it’s a big decision but I haven’t got that much time left at the top, and I want to give myself the best chance of staying there as long as I can. I can see us spending the next five to 10 years in America.”

The mansion in Worksop is on the market and the school forms for Sam (11) and Poppy (8) have been completed. “The rest of the family are really excited about the move,” said the 39 year-old. “My kids are outdoor kids and I want them to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. They’re also the right age school-wise.”

Westwood had intended to keep the transatlantic switch under wraps until after the majors, but now it is public knowledge the American public will only take him further into their hearts.

There has been plenty of support here for Westwood, as signified by the roar which accompanied his fist-pump when holing a 35-footer for birdie on the 18th on Saturday evening.

It was a rare show of emotion from Westwood, who has deliberately been keeping a lid on his emotions. It is the old golfing conundrum of trying not to care when the event meant everything. Except Westwood claims it did not mean everything any more. “If it happens, it happens,” he said.

A fresh approach for a fresh start for Westwood. “I’m not taking it too seriously,” he said. “After you’ve been doing it for 20 seasons out here, I think that it’s time to relax and give yourself a break and enjoy it.

“You’ve only got to look at people’s faces out there - they’re looking pretty wound up and stressed, aren’t they? There aren’t many smiles. Which is a shame because it’s one of the biggest tournaments of the year and one I would assume everybody looks forward to.”

Perhaps it was all easier said than done for Westwood. The man who had chalked up seven top-threes in his previous 15 majors was in contention again; the lifetime ambition was back in tantalising focus. He was three shots behind the leaders, Jim Furyk and Graeme McDowell. For the latter, this had been such a welcome return to form.

McDowell had missed his previous three cuts and was a frustrated figure as he searched for the form of 2010, when he won his US Open and was the match-winning hero of the Ryder Cup.

His manager, Conor Ridge, noticed an immediate change of mood in McDowell in San Francisco. “He’s had that same look about him as he did at Pebble [Beach],” said Ridge. “It was like there’s been an aura around him.”

The US Open does that to McDowell, a scrapper blessed with the fighting instinct and scrambling powers to cope in this most demanding of golfing arenas.

On Sunday night, the clubhouses in Portrush, his hometown, were packed as Northern Ireland waited to see whether their small country could win their third US Open in succession and their third major from the last five.

At the very least McDowell’s swagger back into the spotlight has ensured that next week’s Irish Open will have yet more hype.

Royal Portrush will host Northern Ireland’s first big professional tournament in 59 years and, with the likes of McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke in the field, plus, of course Padraig Harrington, tickets for the weekend have become precious indeed.

FIRST OF OUR REPORTS ON HOW WEBB SIMPSON WON THE UNITED STATES OPEN

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE

By James Corrigan, At The Olympic Club, San Francisco
Northern Ireland did not concede the US Open title until the very last putt. Try as Graeme McDowell did, he could not cajole in the 20-footer on the final green which would have forced the play-off with Webb Simpson.
And so, after a two-year stint across the pond, the US Open trophy returned home as Simpson, the 25 year-old from North Carolina, made it three major wins in succession for the Stars and Stripes.

On a drama-filled day which featured the rise and fall of so many prospective victors, Simpson produced the burst of birdies which were ultimately to win the crown on one-over. And for that, Simpson was the deserving champion.

Yet many will have left The Olympic Club, this tight and torrid track, bemoaning the fates. Of course, McDowell will think of that birdie attempt and wonder, why like at the Ryder Cup two years ago, he could not muster the heroics.

In truth, the overnight leader lost it on the front nine when a succession of poor drives which saw him drop four shots. McDowell showed his customary courage to birdie the 17th to close within a shot and after coming into this tournament on the back of three missed cuts he must take the positives. McDowell has emerged as a US Open specialist.

“There's a mixture of emotions inside me right now,“ said McDowell. “Disappointment, deflation, pride. But mostly just frustration, just because I hit three fairways today. You can’t do that in the US Open and although the opportunity on the last was nice to have, and I wished I had holed it, you can’t take anything from Webb who shot 68-68 on the weekend.”
Maybe, Jim Furyk will feel the most aggrieved, having led for so long. For hours, if not days, it appear his iron-will and solid game would replay his career highlight of 2003. 
But Blue-Collar Jim faltered, bogeying the 16th after a wretched drive and then failing to birdie the 17th or 18th. A 74 was not what he was expecting. “It was my tournament to win,” said Furyk.
And then there was Lee Westwood, whose long quest for that major goes on following a 73 which left him a tie for 10th, four strokes back. The world No 3 received an awful break on the fifth just when he seemed he would be one of the denouement’s principle characters.
His drive was fractionally off line and caught a tree. It stayed in the tree, hidden up in the pine needles, leaving Westwood no option to return to the tee. The result was a double bogey which drained the belief. “It took the wind from my sails,” said Westwood.
It left the way for McDowell and Padraig Harrington to fly the European flag. Harrington posted a fine 68, which earned the Dubliner a tie for fourth on three-over. Harrington wasn’t the only major-winner from yesteryear threatening to reprise the glory.
Ernie Els eagled the seventh causing his caddie, Ricci Roberts, to shake the flagstick in the air. It was a premature celebration. Els bogeyed the next, after his ball rolled back down the hill in front of the green, and then the next and was to miss a few birdie efforts coming in.
By then, Michael Thompson, another young American, was in the clubhouse on two-over after a 68, but Simpson had that total in his sights. Four birdies in five holes from the sixth had hurtled the former Walker Cup play deep into contention. He displayed commendable nerve on the 18th when finding the thick greenside rough and chipping down to three feet. Then it was just a case of waiting.
He was in the locker room with his wife, Dowd, watching it on the television and as McDowell putted, Dowd could barely take the tension. They hugged and kissed and made their way to the ceremony on the 18th green, where a man dressed as a chicken interrupted proceedings. Simpson saw the funny side; most people did. There had been a few laughs in an excruciating finale played out in a mist which drifted in off the Pacific.
"It was pretty nerve wracking," said Simpson after collecting a cheque for nearly £1 million. I probably prayed more the last three holes than I've ever done in my life. It helped me stay calm. I thought even though Graeme had a 20-footer, it was probably going to hit the hole or have a good chance. I couldn't be happier right now.”
Few would have identified Simpson as the winner at the start of the week. This was his third title having made a big impression last season. Indeed, he ran Luke Donald close for the PGA Tour money-list title. But this is a big step up. We will see him in the Ryder Cup in Chicago in September.
Simpson is the ninth first-time major winner in succession. The game is in a state of flux. The last 15 majors have been won by different golfers. Of course, Tiger Woods has plenty to do with that. This was a 12th consecutive major without a win for Woods and his performance on the weekend did not inspire confidence in an imminent ending of this run.
Having shared the lead on Friday, he finished 74-73 for a seven-over total which handed him a tie for 21st. On he will go to Royal Lytham for next week’s Open Championship desperate to break the cycle. 

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