Glover claims U.S. Open title

FARMINGDALE, N.Y., June 22 (UPI) -- Lucas Glover held off a late challenge from Phil Mickelson and won the 109th U.S. Open by two strokes at the tough Bethpage State Park Black Course in New York.

Glover shot 3-over-par 73 in the fourth round, most of which was pushed to Monday because of torrential rains during the early rounds, and finished at 4-under 276 for the tournament, two strokes ahead of Mickelson, Rocky Barnes and David Duval.

It was the record fifth time Mickelson has finished second at the U.S. Open. He was also second in 2002, the last time the tournament was at Bethpage. Mickelson shot even par 70 in the final round.

Barnes, who was tied with Glover when play began Monday, turned in a 6-over 76 in the fourth round. Duval had a fourth-round 71. Defending Open champion Tiger Woods, who beat Mickelson for the title in 2002, finished in a tie for sixth, four strokes behind Glover.

Glover staggered somewhat in the final round, seeing an early advantage slip away with three bogies on the front nine. He dropped another shot to par at No. 15 but birdied the 16th hole to move into the lead.

Mickelson grabbed a share of the lead with a birdie at 12 and an eagle 3 at the 13th hole but he had bogies at 15 and 17 to end his chances.

It was the second PGA Tour victory in Glover's 8-year professional career. He never finished better than a tie for 20th in a major tournament and had never before made the cut in three previous U.S. Open appearances.