June: At the US Open, unheralded American Webb Simpson had been some way off the pace but two superb final rounds of 68 at the Olympic Club in San Francisco saw him take the honours. The 2010 champion, Graeme McDowell, who missed a birdie chance on the final hole to force a play-off, shared second with Michael Thompson. Simpson admitted his challenge almost fell apart: "I've never felt nerves like I felt today. I had to hit my legs because I could not feel them."