How 19 shots and just 31 minutes decided the U.S. Open
**Nineteen shots in just 31 minutes decided the U.S. Open**
A dramatic shootout on the 18th hole at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, saw Matt Fitzpatrick claim his first major title and deny Will Zalatoris a second heartbreaking near-miss.
With Zalatoris needing to hole from 15 feet to force an 18-hole play-off, his putt agonizingly lipped out, leaving Fitzpatrick to tap-in for victory.
It was a cruel end for Zalatoris, who also lost out in a play-off at this year’s PGA Championship, but Fitzpatrick was a worthy winner, having played superbly all week.
The Englishman had started the day with a one-shot lead over Zalatoris and Scottie Scheffler, but the American duo had moved two ahead of him by the time they reached the 15th tee.
However, Fitzpatrick dug deep to birdie the 15th and 16th, while Zalatoris bogeyed the 17th, and the pair headed to the last tied on 6-under 274.
Zalatoris hit a superb drive on the 18th, but Fitzpatrick’s approach was even better, landing just 19 feet from the hole. Zalatoris’ approach, meanwhile, ended up 15 feet away.
Fitzpatrick then coolly rolled in his birdie putt, leaving Zalatoris with no choice but to hole his to stay alive. But it wasn’t to be, and Fitzpatrick was left to celebrate his first major title.