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Furyk takes first major with furry

Jim Furyk, left, kisses his wife Tabitha after winning the 2003 US Open at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Illinois, on Sunday. PHOTO: AFP

Jim Furyk rose to the challenge at the US Open, the toughest test in golf, with a gritty round of 2-over 72 to win his first major championship in a landslide.

Despite bogeys he could afford on the last two holes Sunday, Furyk won by three strokes at Olympia Fields and joined Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Lee Janzen with a 272, the lowest 72-hole score in the 103 years of the US Open.

His loopy swing might not be conventional, but the strategy was all too familiar: He sent the ball down the middle of the fairway and no one could catch him.

Furyk led by at least three shots the whole way, but never allowed himself to enjoy the moment until the gallery rose to salute him as he walked up the 18th green.

He missed a 6-foot par putt that would have given him the record outright, but all that mattered was the silver championship trophy waiting for him.

Woods shot 12-under 272 three years ago at Pebble Beach, which played as a par 71.

He remains the only player to finish a US Open in double digits under par.

Furyk was on the verge of joining him until he failed to get up-and-down from behind the 17th green, then three-putted from about 40 feet on the final hole.

Stephen Leaney of Australia, in contention at a major for the first time, fell five strokes behind at the turn and couldn't catch up.

He closed with a 72, but his runner-up finish assures him a PGA Tour card for next year.

The only other players under par were Masters champion Mike Weir (71) and Kenny Perry, whose 67 was the best score on the toughest day at Olympia Fields.

Furyk is known for his grit as well as his unorthodox swing. He never flinched the few times he was in trouble. He didn't come unglued when a streaker ran out of the gallery on the 11th green.

When he tapped in for bogey, he dropped his putter and raised his arms, then hugged caddie Mike "Fluff" Cowan.

Woods was never a factor, closing with a 72 to tie for 20th.
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