Leaney changes career with second place

U.S. Open runner-up Stephen Leaney consoled himself with positive thoughts after losing out to champion Jim Furyk on Sunday.

Ten years ago, a medical condition forced the Australian to have two ribs removed, a condition which doctors informed him could prevent him from playing the game again.

Now, after a fine five-under-par aggregate score of 275 at Olympia Fields -- three shots behind Furyk -- he is celebrating his best ever performance at a major and looking forward to playing on the U.S. PGA Tour.

Leaney's second-place finish gives him a tour exemption for two years and an automatic invitation to next year's Masters.

"I caught an infection in Asia (in 1993) that caused by blood to thicken up and I was told the only way to alleviate the problem was to cut the ribs out," the 34-year-old said.

"When I was first diagnosed with it, the doctors said I probably wouldn't play again, because of the way it can affect your shoulder.

"It wasn't the best news I wanted to hear at the time, and I certainly wanted to prove him wrong.

"That was a good thing to happen to me -- I hadn't been working as hard as I could have been at that stage, and it made me realise how lucky I am to have this gift.

"Now, after all this, I can look forward to playing here (in the United States) -- that has been my goal for years."

Leaney has twice before missed out on earning his PGA Tour card by just one stroke, and he said: "It's pleasing that I don't have to go through that again.

"Earlier this year, I struggled to put the disappointment (of not qualifying for the Tour) behind me. I've always wanted to come here and play, and at the start of the year I didn't feel as though I had much to look forward to.

"But I sat down with my sports psychologist, my wife and parents and finally got over it.

"And now this ... so I'll be back full-time here next year, and I'll get to all the majors as well. There are some positives to take away from here, I guess."

Trailing Furyk by three shots at the start of the day, Leaney never managed to close the gap further despite a commendable display.

His 30-foot putt on 13 was one of the highlights, although Furyk always seemed to have the situation under control.

"It's disappointing not to win," said Leaney, whose only other appearance at the U.S. Open in 1999 saw him miss the cut -- one of seven missed cuts in nine major starts before Olympia Fields.

"I honestly believed I could do it, and after 13 I felt it was going to be my day. In fact, it wasn't until 17 that I accepted I would be runner-up. But Jim kept me at arm's length and played great.

"I've had a great week and I've handled the situation well. That gives me hope for the future."