Gary Woodland rides fearless approach on 14th hole to US Open victory

Gary Woodland took a fearless approach on the 14th hole in the final round of the US Open on Sunday to help extend his lead, setting the tone for a strong close en route to his first major.

Woodland was only leading by a shot over Brooks Koepka but was able to increase the lead to two with an improbable birdie on 14. For his second shot on the par-5 hole, Woodland used a 3-wood and launched his ball over the massive bunker in front of the green to set himself up for birdie. It was a huge risk as he could have gotten stuck in the bunker. Many conservative golfers would view laying up as the safe play, but Woodland went for glory instead.

Gary isn't scared. #USOpen #LexusGolf pic.twitter.com/ZI7BSWPwqt

— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 17, 2019

By getting near the green in two, Woodland put himself in position to chip and putt for a birdie and was able to shave a stroke to move to -12, pushing his lead over Koepka back to two. The decision to go big on the hole and having it pay off helped him win the tournament, along with his big chip on 17.

This is Woodland’s first career major win.