What Is 2009 U.S. Open Golf Championship

Overview

The 2009 U.S. Open Golf Championship marked the 109th edition of the prestigious tournament, hosted at the Bethpage State Park’s Black Course in Farmingdale, New York. It was the second time the public course hosted the U.S. Open, having previously done so in 2002 when Tiger Woods claimed victory.

Lucas Glover emerged as the champion, overcoming tough weather, elite competition, and a rain-delayed schedule to win his first major title. The tournament drew widespread attention for its dramatic final round and the resilience shown by players on a demanding course layout.

• Lucas Glover finished with a 4-under-par total of 276, winning by two strokes over a trio of contenders including David Duval and Phil Mickelson.
• The event was held from June 18–21, 2009, with the final round delayed into Monday due to persistent rain, a trend seen in four consecutive U.S. Opens at the time.
• Bethpage Black, a public course, measured 7,219 yards during the tournament and played to a par of 70, testing even the world’s best golfers.
• Phil Mickelson entered the final round with a chance to win but shot a 2-over 72 on Sunday, finishing one stroke behind Glover.
• David Duval made a remarkable comeback, shooting a final-round 68 to tie for second, marking his best major performance since 2001.

Final Round Drama and Key Performances

The closing stages of the 2009 U.S. Open were defined by weather interruptions and high-pressure shot-making, culminating in a dramatic finish on Monday morning.

• Weather Delays: Heavy rain on Saturday suspended play, forcing completion of the third round on Sunday and pushing the final round into Monday, June 22.
• Lucas Glover’s Consistency: Glover carded rounds of 69-64-73-70, with his second-round 64 tying the course record and giving him a crucial lead.
• David Duval’s Resurgence: After years of poor form, Duval shot a 3-under 67 on Monday to finish tied for second, his best major result in nearly a decade.
• Phil Mickelson’s Final Hole: Mickelson needed a par on the 18th to force a playoff but made a bogey, finishing at 2-under and one stroke behind Glover.
• Ricky Barnes’ Charge: Barnes held the 54-hole lead after rounds of 65-64 but faded on Sunday with a 76, finishing tied for fourth at even par.
• Course Difficulty: The U.S. Open setup featured thick rough, narrow fairways, and firm greens, resulting in only 12 players finishing under par.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the top finishers at the 2009 U.S. Open compared in final scores and performance:

The table highlights how tightly contested the leaderboard remained despite the course’s difficulty. Only five players finished within four strokes of Glover, underscoring the punishing nature of Bethpage Black under U.S. Open conditions. The weather delays added another layer of complexity, disrupting rhythm and focus for many contenders.

Why It Matters

The 2009 U.S. Open remains a significant moment in golf history due to its blend of underdog triumph, elite competition, and unpredictable conditions. It showcased the accessibility of major championships to lesser-known players while reinforcing the U.S. Open’s reputation for toughness.

• Lucas Glover’s Victory was the first major win for a player ranked outside the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking in over a decade.
• The tournament reinforced Bethpage Black’s Status as a premier U.S. Open venue, becoming the first public course to host multiple editions.
• Weather Challenges highlighted the logistical difficulties of scheduling, prompting future discussions about contingency planning in major golf events.
• Phil Mickelson’s Near Miss added to his legacy of strong U.S. Open performances without a win, finishing runner-up four times.
• The event drew record television ratings, reflecting public interest in dramatic finishes and unpredictable outcomes in major golf.
• David Duval’s Performance sparked renewed conversation about player resurgence and the mental resilience required in professional golf.

In summary, the 2009 U.S. Open was a defining moment that combined weather, drama, and a surprise champion, leaving a lasting impact on the sport’s narrative and the perception of major championship golf.