THE BIG '0' ERIN, Wis. — Yet again, Rickie Fowler failed to push himself across the finish line at major championship. Fowler, who is fast cementing himself as “the best player never to win a major,’’ began Sunday’s U.S. Open final round at 10-under, tw
Fowler a bridesmaid in a major yet again
Tommy Fleetwood, the 26-year-old Brit who was paired with winner Koepka, finished 11-under after shooting a final-round 72, said he learned immensely from his U.S. Open experience.
“I’ve never contended for a major before,’’ he said. “So, when you get to Saturday and Sunday, you’ve got to see how you react and how you feel. I felt [Saturday] I played great. [Sunday] my game wasn’t quite there.’’
Brian Harman began the day with the 54-hole lead, but could manage no better than an even-par 72 and finished in a tie for second at 12-under.
“It bites a little bit right now,’’ Harman said. “I don’t believe in moral victories. I had an opportunity and I didn’t get it done. But at the same time, I don’t feel as though I lost a golf tournament. I think Brooks went out and won the tournament. I’m just going to keep trying to do what I’m good at and keep doing what I know how to do and we’ll see where that takes me.’’
Apparently, Steve Stricker belonged in this U.S. Open field all along.
Not that there was any doubt about that from those who know the game, but the 50year-old more than validated his spot in the field, finishing 5under after his final-round 69.
Stricker, a native son who lives in nearby Madison, was vociferously cheered at every tee box and green all week. As he put the finishing touches on his week at the 18th green the cheers drew some emotion from him.
“I’m glad I made it here, I’m glad a qualified and was able to play,’’ Stricker said. “It was a pretty special week all around. We had a great time. My wife [Nicki] was on the bag. My kids were here. It was a very special week to be here.’’
Jordan Spieth, the 2015 U.S. Open winner, closed out his frustrating week by shooting a 3-under 69 to finish 1-over for the tournament. Spieth played in the most difficult windy conditions of the day during his morning round.
“I thought it was a fantastic round of golf, given what we were dealing with to start the day,’’ Spieth said.
Scottie Scheffler won the low amateur honors, finishing 1-under for the week and edging out friend Cameron Champ by one shot. Champ missed a long putt for birdie on the 18th hole that would have tied Scheffler.