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Kuchar calls Open loss to Spieth 'crushing'

REUTERS/Paul Childs

Matt Kuchar's best attempt to win a major championship fell just short on Sunday at the Open Championship, losing to Jordan Spieth by three shots.

"It's hard to explain," Kuchar told reporters after his final-round 69. "It's crushing. It hurts. And there's an excitement and a thrill to have played well, to put up a battle, to put up a fight. You work so hard to get to this position, and to have a chance to make history, and to win a championship."

Kuchar stood on the 14th tee with a one-shot lead, after Spieth made a mess of the par-4 13th, but could only watch the young Texan fly by him over the final five holes en route to victory.

"You don't get that many opportunities, and to be this close. To taste it with five holes to go, it's a hard one to sit back and take."

The 39-year-old played his final five holes of the tournament in 1-under par, yet it wasn't enough for the former U.S. Amateur champion, and could only tip his cap to Spieth's play.

"I can only control what I do, how I play. Jordan is a great champion, and certainly played way in the finishing stretch today," said Kuchar.

While Spieth's play was extraordinary late in the round, the wait at the 13th hole will no doubt be talked about for years to come, but Kuchar understood the situation

"It wasn't anything that I was ever going to be upset with. It's very understanding, it's a very difficult situation," added Kuchar.

Although disappointed, the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist believes the experience of playing in the final group of a major, will only help him down the road in pursuit of his first major title.

"I'm sure it'll lead to me continuing to work hard, and push me harder to try to finish one place better."

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