2009 U.S. Open (golf)

2009 U.S. Open (golf)

The 2009 United States Open Championship was the 109th U.S. Open, held June 18-22 on the Black Course of Bethpage State Park on Long Island, in Farmingdale, New York. Lucas Glover won his only major title, two strokes ahead of runners-up Ricky Barnes, David Duval, and Phil Mickelson.

This was the second U.S. Open at Bethpage Black; the first in 2002 was won by Tiger Woods, also the defending champion. The 2009 edition was hit heavily by continuous rain throughout the tournament, and resulted in multiple suspensions of play. Mickelson announced that this would be his last tournament for a while, before he took time off to tend to his ailing wife, Amy, who had been recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

Like in 2002, the media coverage of the relationship between the New York gallery and Mickelson, was one of the major headlines of the entire tournament. The most memorable moment being Mickelson teeing off on the short par-3, 17th hole. As Mickelson walked down the path, toward the green he was met by thousands of spectators with thunderous chants of "Let's Go Mickelson!" Mickelson came up short, but commended the New York golf fans and suggested a Ryder Cup should be played at Bethpage Black because "We would have a huge advantage."