Campbell - two-shot winner. (Getty Images)

Michael Campbell was shaking with emotion as he lifted the US Open trophy - and admitted he might easily have not even been in the event.

"I wasn't going to come, but this has completely changed my life," said the 36-year-old New Zealander, who held off Masters champion Tiger Woods to win by two at Pinehurst.

For the first time this year the United States Golf Association held a qualifying event in Europe - at Walton Heath in Surrey two weeks ago - and Campbell squeezed through it with a birdie on the last of the 36 holes.

"It's just amazing," he said. "For the last nine holes I was telling myself 20 times on every hole 'keep your focus, keep your focus.'

"I was thinking about my wife and two children and my family back at home. Happy Father's Day, Dad.

"I've worked very, very hard for this and had ups and downs my whole career, but it's worth the work. I can't believe I'm holding this."

Four behind setting off for the final round, Campbell went two ahead on the front nine when defending champion Retief Goosen unexpectedly fell right away to what would eventually be an 81.

Then Woods came on a charge, but he could never get on terms and when he bogeyed the 16th and 17th Campbell was clear again. Woods did birdie the last, but the New Zealander made an 18-footer at the 17th and could afford a closing bogey.

Spain's Sergio Garcia was joint third, while Goosen managed only 11th place in the end.

And his was not the worst round - little-known American Jason Gore, 818th in the world, was second at the start of the day, but crashed to an 84.

Campbell and Woods both scored 69, Campbell finishing level par and Woods two over.