Sport 19-08-2002 Texan Newcomer Rich Beem Triumphs At USPGA who: Golfer Rich Beem what: Wins USPGA where: Minnesota, USA when: Yesterday snippet: "There was something to be said for the power of negative thinking," muses The Telegraph`s Lewine Mair, "as Rich Beem, who had been three shots behind Justin Leonard and two ahead of Tiger Woods after 54 holes, ended up winning one of the most exciting USPGA Championships of all time." The 31-year-old, who had only ever played in three major championships and never finished above seventieth before the weekend`s tournament at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, had resigned himself to probable failure. But yesterday, after predicting that he might well "shoot a high number", he reached the turn in 34, says the BBC, "and then produced a match-winning eagle on the 11th to move four clear". "I never remotely dreamed of this moment," said Beem yesterday. "I had no expectations... I really enjoyed this golf course. I thought I could get around it, but I never expected this." In The Times, John Hopkins compares him the the character played by Kevin Costner in his film Tin Cup, a virtually unknown professional from west Texas who unexpectedly becomes the crowd`s favourite at a major. The Independent`s Andy Farrell describes him as a "journeyman" who once quit his job as a pro to sell car stereos. British 22 year-old Justin Rose finished four over par after a promising start. Meanwhile, The Guardian`s Pat Marino notes with disappointment that eight of the 12 members of the European Ryder Cup team failed to make it into the third round. [... more]

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