Last Updated: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:40
Unheralded American Lucas Glover described his spectacular US Open win at Bethpage on Monday as a "test of patience".
The 29-year-old, who won his solitary PGA Tour title in 2005, held off a late rally by world number two and three-time major winner Phil Mickelson, David Duval and third-round leader Ricky Barnes to clinch the rain-affected showpiece tournament.
Mickelson twice joined Glover in the lead but was unable to sustain his challenge and slipped back with a bogey on 17, while Duval, who had chalked up a triple-bogey six on the third, fought back to join the eventual winner out in front with a third straight birdie on 16.
England's Ross Fisher and American superstar Tiger Woods had seen their challenges fade when Glover carded pars at 17 and 18 for a 73 and life-changing victory.
"It was a test of patience," 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," Glover added. "It will definitely be a big confidence boost."