Graeme McDowell holds off Gregory Havret to become the first European to win the US Open

Graeme McDowell holds off Havret to win US Open

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland has won the U.S. Open, holding off France’s Gregory Havret to become the first European to win America’s national championship since 1970.

McDowell shot a 3-over 74 on a difficult Sunday at Pebble Beach to finish at even-par 284 for the tournament and win by one.

Havret, a Frenchman ranked 391st in the world, played in the same group with Tiger Woods and didn’t let it bother him. He was within one of McDowell with two holes left but couldn’t make birdie on the par-5 18th to tie.

Ernie Els finished third at 2 over.

Woods made four bogeys on the front nine en route to a 4-over 75. He tied for fourth with Phil Mickelson, the same spot he finished in at the Masters in April.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland is clinging to a one-shot lead over Frenchman Gregory Havret with three holes left, with each man seeking his first major and trying to become the first European to win the U.S. Open in 40 years.

McDowell was at 1-under par with three holes remaining Sunday at Pebble Beach, one shot ahead of Havret, who had the 17th and 18th still to play.

Ernie Els, seeking his fourth major and his first since 2002, was 2 over, while Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods were another shot back and running out of time.

The USGA moved the tee box up about 40 yards on the par-5 18th, hoping players would take chances, and it appeared Els, Mickelson and Woods would have to.