Caps off to US Open sensation

GARY Woodland says his US Open victory at Pebble Beach was “so special” given his first major title came on American Father’s Day — two years after he and his wife endured the tragedy of a stillborn baby.

Woodland’s wife, Gabby, was expecting twins in 2017 but complications led to the loss of one and the premature birth of the other, their son Jaxson.

Woodland said 2017 was the “toughest year of my life by far” and played a part in his outpouring of emotion after he sank a 25-foot birdie putt on Sunday.

The former college basketball player shot a three-under 69 for a 72-hole score of 13under-par, with two-time US Open winner Brooks Koepka (68) second at 10 under.

Woodland’s final-hole birdie meant the 35year-old beat the lowest total recorded in a US Open at Pebble Beach — surpassing Tiger Woods’s 12 under in 2000.

But that was not why the unflappable Woodland let it all out. “Obviously, we’ve had our struggles and it’s been documented, the losses that we’ve suffered,” he said.

“When that putt went in on the last, it all came out of me. It’s special to finish it off here.

“Being a father now puts life in perspective. My whole life it’s all been about trying to win and now I’m trying to make a better life for my son than I’ve had.” Woodland pocketed $3.3 million and moved up to No.12 on golf’s world rankings.

Challengers came thick and fast at the Californian seaside course — in particular from defending champion Koepka (69, 69, 68, 68), who became the first player to shoot four rounds in the 60s at a US Open and not win.

The four-time major winner was attempting to become the first golfer in 114 years to win three successive US Opens.

Australia’s Adam Scott made a run for the ages, collecting four birdies and an eagle in his first 12 holes.

But his final-round charge came unstuck when he sprayed his tee shot out of bounds at the 13th en route to a double-bogey six, which preceded three-putt bogeys at the 16th and 17th.

At six under, Scott (68) shared seventh with former British Open winner Louis Ossthuizen (72).

Jason Day’s 69 left him tied for 21st at two under, in a group that included Woods (69).

Marc Leishman (72) was tied 35th at one over while Cameron Smith (72) finished eight over.