Golf story by sport.co.uk, Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:57:35 GMT



Lucas Glover was the shock winner of the 109th US Open at Bethpage. The American triumphed from two shots from fellow countrymen Phil Mickelson, David Duval and Ricky Barnes.Glover signed off at four-under-par, and managed to stave off a late challenge from the trio in what was an open and hugely entertaining fight.




It had appeared that Mickelson - whose wife Amy is battling breast cancer - was set for a dream win after he drew level with Glover at the top of the leaderboard, but he couldn't stay with the leader after bogeying the 17th.



And 29-year-old Glover, who finished three shots clear of England's Ross Fisher, who was himself a shot ahead of Tiger Woods, admitted he had struggled at times during his final round.




"It was a test of patience today," he said. "It was tough, we got the full value of the course. But the golf course played fantastic and it was just hard.




"I guess if I can win this one, I should be able to play all right every week. It will definitely be a big confidence boost."




And Mickelson acknowledged he had to fight his emotions after coming so close to what would have been a fairytale victory.




"It was a lot of ups and downs for me, fighting to get back in it," said the 39-year-old.




"It was an emotional five days. I want to win this tournament badly. I feel I will have more chances."