Webb Simpson of the US holds the trophy after winning 2012 US Open on the Lake Course at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, California. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok

American Webb Simpson has clinched his first major title with a nerve-jangling one-shot victory at the 112th US Open after overhauling overnight leaders Jim Furyk and Graeme McDowell.

The 26-year-old Simpson, who triumphed twice on the PGA Tour last year, charged into contention with four birdies in five holes around the turn on the way to a two-under-par 68.

On a foggy afternoon at the brutally difficult Olympic Club, Simpson coolly parred his last eight holes to finish at one-over 281 as the other main contenders faded over the closing stretch.

Northern Irishman McDowell, winner of the US Open at Pebble Beach two years ago, closed with a six-bogey 73 to tie for second with little-known American Michael Thompson (67).

Furyk, US Open champion in 2003, was tied for the lead with three holes to play but bogeyed 16 and 18 for a 74 and a five-way share of fourth place at three over.

Three-time champion Tiger Woods, aiming to end a four-year major title drought, never recovered from a stumbling start and tied for 21st at seven over after returning a 73.