Hale Irwin became the oldest U.S. Open champion by defeating Mike Donald at the 91st hole, the first in sudden-death, after the two tied in the 18-hole Monday playoff.

Irwin began the final round in a tie for 20th place, four strokes back of leaders Billy Ray Brown and Donald.

Playing well ahead of the leaders, Irwin fired a round of 67, which included a 45-foot (14 m) birdie putt at the 72nd hole.

After the putt dropped, he provided the championship with its enduring image as he took a "victory lap" around the green, high-fiving spectators.

At 45 years and 15 days, Irwin became the oldest winner of the U.S. Open, surpassing the record set in 1986 by Raymond Floyd by 15 months.

Amateurs Phil Mickelson and David Duval made their major championship debuts, finishing in 29th and 56th place, respectively.