A first major sweep since 1982? – Woodland's U.S. Open win continues American dominance

Dejan Kalinic
June 17, 2019 06:04 MYT
Brooks Koepka's win at the U.S. Open two years ago triggered a period of dominance for both himself and American golfers at majors.

Gary Woodland secured his first major title at Pebble Beach on Sunday, winning the U.S. Open by three strokes from Koepka.

It continued what has been a wonderful run for Americans since Koepka's success at Erin Hills.

Men from the United States have now won nine of the past 10 majors and, if they can lift the Claret Jug at The Open next month, they will sweep all four in a year for the first time since 1982.

We take a look at the run that started in 2017.

2019 U.S. Open: Gary Woodland

Woodland impressively claimed his first major title, holding off a surge from Koepka in the fourth round. They were the only two players to shoot four rounds in the 60s and Woodland sealed his win with a 30-foot birdie putt at the last.

WHAT A MOMENT#USOpen pic.twitter.com/4iHZjIbtuF

— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 17, 2019
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2019 US PGA Championship: Brooks Koepka

Koepka has dominated this period, winning four majors including back-to-back US PGA and U.S. Open titles. Rounds of 63 and 65 to open at Bethpage Black this year set up a wire-to-wire two-stroke win.

A winning smile. pic.twitter.com/FqWlXcEmTT

— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 19, 2019
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2019 Masters: Tiger Woods

Undoubtedly the most unforgettable win of this lot was Woods' 15th major title and first since 2008. Woods secured a one-shot victory, birdies at the 15th and 16th holes closing out a memorable win.

Watch the final-round highlights from 2019 Masters champion @TigerWoods. #themasters pic.twitter.com/WIb5AnsPHQ

— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 14, 2019
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2018 US PGA Championship: Brooks Koepka

It was Woodland who led at the halfway mark at Bellerive despite Koepka's second-round seven-under 63. Not even Woods (64 in the final round) could deny Koepka, who fired back-to-back 66s on the weekend to secure the title.

“This is really heavy. How’d @JustinThomas34 do it?” -@BKoepka pic.twitter.com/oKgBIvcgjZ

— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) August 12, 2018
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2018 U.S. Open: Brooks Koepka

Koepka recovered from an opening 75 at Shinnecock Hills, where he went into the final round in a four-way tie for the lead. Tommy Fleetwood charged home with a 63, but Koepka's two-under 68 was enough for a one-shot win.

"The #USOpen just takes so much discipline. You have got to be a great putter and just kind of let things roll off your back. I enjoy the test. I enjoy being pushed to the limit. Sometimes you feel like you are about to break mentally, but that's what I enjoy." pic.twitter.com/JmIimxJW39

— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 17, 2018
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2018 Masters: Patrick Reed

Reed took control in the second round at Augusta and his only round in the 70s – a 71 on Sunday – was enough to hold off Rickie Fowler. Reed was fourth at the U.S. Open that followed, but has failed to finish in the top 25 in the five majors since.

The clinching putt. Congratulations to @PReedGolf, 2018 #themasters Champion. pic.twitter.com/zEkWleSeRK

— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 8, 2018
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2017 US PGA Championship: Justin Thomas

Thomas claimed his only major title so far at Quail Hollow almost two years ago. The American fired rounds of 69 and 68 on the weekend to edge out last year's Open champion Francesco Molinari, Louis Oosthuizen and Reed.

Here's a look at how JT won the Wanamaker....#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/HCmbBQITIT

— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) August 14, 2017
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2017 Open Championship: Jordan Spieth

Spieth was in control early at Royal Birkdale on his way to a third major title. However, a three-shot overnight lead disappeared in the final round before he produced an incredible birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie run beginning at 14 to earn a three-shot win over Matt Kuchar.

The one that won it. #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/RfrJdByJXP

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 23, 2017
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2017 U.S. Open: Brooks Koepka

The start of Koepka's run was in Wisconsin. He tied the U.S. Open record by reaching 16 under, which was enough for a four-stroke victory over third-round leader Brian Harman and Hideki Matsuyama.

Right in the https://t.co/5VYLAupF61

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 18, 2017
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#Tiger Woods #Jordan Spieth #Justin Thomas #Golf #European Tour #PGA Tour #Gary Woodland #Japan Golf Tour #U.S. Open #Patrick Reed #Brooks Koepka