Micheel's career receives huge boost by win

Shaun Micheel proved his bravery by rescuing a drowning couple from a sinking car in 1993, and he held his nerve again to capture the U.S. PGA Championship with a gripping two-shot victory over Chad Campbell.

If good deeds never go unrewarded then Sunday was payback time for Micheel, who spent the last 10 years searching for his maiden PGA Tour win.

The 34-year-old journeyman's determination was rewarded on the 18th hole of the season's final major.

Clinging to a one-shot lead, Micheel, ranked 169th in the world and without a victory in 163 tour events, unleashed a 170-yard approach shot that locked onto the pin like a heat-seeking missile.

The ball rolled to within two inches of the cup, leaving him an easy birdie putt, an unlikely victory and $1 million.

"It's kind of scary, really," Micheel told reporters when asked how it felt to be U.S. PGA champion. "I think the fear of the unknown frightens all of us and I certainly had that today.

"Even though I'm PGA champion now, I don't really know what's out there in store for me, I really don't. I just hope I can represent the PGA and the PGA of America in a humble manner."

Micheel became the seventh player to win the U.S. PGA Championship on his debut, and the first since John Daly in 1991.

It also completed a clean sweep of first-time winners at this year's majors, following the breakthrough victories achieved by Mike Weir (U.S. Masters), Jim Furyk (U.S. Open) and Ben Curtis (British Open).

When Micheel tapped in his final shot, it triggered a thunderous ovation and a release of emotion around the Oak Hill Country Club.

Micheel raised his hands in triumph as he was joined on the 18th green by his pregnant wife Stephanie before kneeling over and gently kissing her belly.

"I was just so thankful the day was over," said Micheel. "I was really leaking oil coming down the stretch.

"It was a very difficult day emotionally for me. A year ago at this time I was just trying to keep my card, or even up until a month or two ago I was just trying to keep my card.

"To have my name on that trophy, I don't really know what I'm thinking right now.

"I look down at that list and see all the names and I just hope maybe I can produce a career like a lot of those guys."

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