Leaney looking at bright side of finishing second

US OPEN runner-up Stephen Leaney consoled himself with positive thoughts after losing out to 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 performance at a major and looking forward to playing on the US Tour.

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