Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson nabbed his second LIV Golf title Sunday, edging Cameron Smith and Branden Grace in a playoff at Cedar Ridge Country Club near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Johnson birdied his final hole in regulation to get into the playoff then birdied the par-four 18th with a putt from off the green. South Africa's Grace had putted first in the playoff, also from the fringe, narrowly missing.

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Australia's British Open champion Smith was closest to the hole, but his putt was never on track.

Johnson scooped the $4 million first prize from the $25 million purse and joined Talor Gooch -- winner of the previous two events -- and Brooks Koepka as two-time winners in the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit's first 14 events.

The former world number one had claimed his first LIV title at Boston last year.

Atop the leaderboard going into the third and final round, Johnson shook off triple-bogey on the 10th hole to card a three-under 67 to join Grace and Smith on 17-under.

"Obviously after I made seven on 10 -- everything I could do wrong I did wrong on the hole --but to fight back and birdie 18 two times in a row, I'm really happy with that," Johnson said.

Smith, five back with nine to play, carded a bogey-free nine-under par 61 while Grace -- who shot 61 in the first round -- closed with a five-under 65.

Grace helped South Africa's Stinger team, headed by Louis Oosthuizen, to capture the team title with a 40-under par total.

The next LIV tournament is at Trump National in Washington in two weeks. But next week Johnson and Smith will be among 18 LIV rebels teeing it up in the second major of the season, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York.

LIV, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, split the sport last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and the DP World Tour with lucrative contracts.

Amid the acrimony, organizers of the major championships have maintained qualifying standards that allow LIV golfers to compete, setting the stage for them to take on loyalists including Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain and world number two Scottie Scheffler at Oak Hill.

"I'm really playing well," Johnson said. "Got a lot of momentum going into next week."

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Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson nabbed his second LIV Golf title Sunday, edging Cameron Smith and Branden Grace in a playoff at Cedar Ridge Country Club near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson nabbed his second LIV Golf title Sunday, edging Cameron Smith and Branden Grace in a playoff at Cedar Ridge Country Club near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Johnson birdied his final hole in regulation to get into the playoff then birdied the par-four 18th with a putt from off the green. South Africa's Grace had putted first in the playoff, also from the fringe, narrowly missing. Also Read: La Liga: Barcelona thrash Espanyol 4-2 to win first title since 2019 Australia's British Open champion Smith was closest to the hole, but his putt was never on track. Johnson scooped the $4 million first prize from the $25 million purse and joined Talor Gooch -- winner of the previous two events -- and Brooks Koepka as two-time winners in the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit's first 14 events. The former world number one had claimed his first LIV title at Boston last year. Atop the leaderboard going into the third and final round, Johnson shook off triple-bogey on the 10th hole to card a three-under 67 to join Grace and Smith on 17-under. "Obviously after I made seven on 10 -- everything I could do wrong I did wrong on the hole --but to fight back and birdie 18 two times in a row, I'm really happy with that," Johnson said. Smith, five back with nine to play, carded a bogey-free nine-under par 61 while Grace -- who shot 61 in the first round -- closed with a five-under 65. Grace helped South Africa's Stinger team, headed by Louis Oosthuizen, to capture the team title with a 40-under par total. The next LIV tournament is at Trump National in Washington in two weeks. But next week Johnson and Smith will be among 18 LIV rebels teeing it up in the second major of the season, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York. LIV, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, split the sport last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and the DP World Tour with lucrative contracts. Amid the acrimony, organizers of the major championships have maintained qualifying standards that allow LIV golfers to compete, setting the stage for them to take on loyalists including Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain and world number two Scottie Scheffler at Oak Hill. "I'm really playing well," Johnson said. "Got a lot of momentum going into next week." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Dustin Johnson wins LIV Tulsa trophy ahead of PGA Championship

Reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith and two-time major winner Dustin Johnson are among the big names as the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf League opens its 2023 campaign on Friday. The series of 54-hole events offering record purses of $25 million expands to 14 stops in seven nations, starting at Mexico's Mayakoba resort. Several big names were lured to LIV Golf from the US PGA Tour, prompting a PGA ban that set up a court fight scheduled to begin in January 2024.

Top-ranked Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, and Masters Champion, Scottie Scheffler were among those who stayed with the PGA as a split in the sport brought chaos, but so far LIV players remain able to play in majors if they qualify.

LIV Golf continues to fight to earn world ranking points, but with new players making the jump the 2023 season could see top talent from LIV and older tours meeting only at the four majors, adding to the tension around April's Masters showdown at Augusta National.

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Johnson won last year's individual LIV Golf crown after taking a title in Boston with an eagle on the first playoff hole and led an all-American 4Aces squad to the team title. Australia's Smith, the 2022 PGA Player of the Year, won his first major title at St. Andrews but made the jump to LIV Golf after the US PGA's Tour Championship.

Smith captured the Chicago title in September in his second LIV start and in November claimed his third Australian PGA Championship triumph as LIV players remain eligible for DP World Tour events amid an ongoing court battle.

Critics brand LIV Golf as a bid by Saudi Arabia, which backs the circuit via its Public Investment Fund, to "sportswash" its human rights record.

But LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman sees the league carrying the sport to a younger audience with fast-paced shotgun starts, on-site concerts, and increased interaction between stars and fans.

"In less than a year, LIV Golf has reinvigorated the professional game and laid the foundation for the sport's future," Norman said. "Our league format has already begun to build connections with new audiences around the globe. Major champions, current and future Hall of Famers, and up-and-coming stars are all committed to creating this new platform for world-class competition as the sport evolves for the next generation."

Reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith and two-time major winner Dustin Johnson are among the big names as the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf League opens its 2023 campaign on Friday.

Reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith and two-time major winner Dustin Johnson are among the big names as the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf League opens its 2023 campaign on Friday. The series of 54-hole events offering record purses of $25 million expands to 14 stops in seven nations, starting at Mexico's Mayakoba resort. Several big names were lured to LIV Golf from the US PGA Tour, prompting a PGA ban that set up a court fight scheduled to begin in January 2024. Top-ranked Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, and Masters Champion, Scottie Scheffler were among those who stayed with the PGA as a split in the sport brought chaos, but so far LIV players remain able to play in majors if they qualify. LIV Golf continues to fight to earn world ranking points, but with new players making the jump the 2023 season could see top talent from LIV and older tours meeting only at the four majors, adding to the tension around April's Masters showdown at Augusta National. ALSO READ: Golf: 'LIV Tour has created hype', says ace Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma ahead of Hero Indian Open Johnson won last year's individual LIV Golf crown after taking a title in Boston with an eagle on the first playoff hole and led an all-American 4Aces squad to the team title. Australia's Smith, the 2022 PGA Player of the Year, won his first major title at St. Andrews but made the jump to LIV Golf after the US PGA's Tour Championship. Smith captured the Chicago title in September in his second LIV start and in November claimed his third Australian PGA Championship triumph as LIV players remain eligible for DP World Tour events amid an ongoing court battle. Critics brand LIV Golf as a bid by Saudi Arabia, which backs the circuit via its Public Investment Fund, to "sportswash" its human rights record. But LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman sees the league carrying the sport to a younger audience with fast-paced shotgun starts, on-site concerts, and increased interaction between stars and fans. "In less than a year, LIV Golf has reinvigorated the professional game and laid the foundation for the sport's future," Norman said. "Our league format has already begun to build connections with new audiences around the globe. Major champions, current and future Hall of Famers, and up-and-coming stars are all committed to creating this new platform for world-class competition as the sport evolves for the next generation."

Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson to feature in controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf League

American Dustin Johnson's 4 Aces squad won the inaugural LIV Golf Series team championship at Trump National on Sunday to claim the $16 million top prize.

Johnson, who earned a reported $150 million by signing up to the Saudi-backed venture, pockets another $4 million as his share of the team prize money to add to the rewards he gained through winning the debut season's individual title.

Between team prizes throughout the season and individual event wins, plus his $18 million bonus for claiming the year's individual crown, Johnson ends the inaugural LIV campaign with an eye-watering $35 million in earnings.

"Personally, my season, yeah, you add up the numbers and it was great, but I played good -- I didn't play my best, so it always could be better, but that's golf," Johnson said.

"But I'm just happy that the 4 Aces just won this tournament. That's all that matters," he said after shooting a two under-par 70 on the Doral Blue Monster course.

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Johnson's all-American team -- featuring Talor Gooch, Patrick Reed and Pat Perez -- shot a combined 7-under 281, winning by a shot over Cameron Smith's all-Australian Punch GC.

British Open champion Smith shot a superb 65 and jousted with Johnson until the death. The winning team were sprayed by champagne on the final green on a day in which $34 million in prize money was distributed to the four teams in the final.

While the celebrations were genuine and the team format certainly generated enthusiasm from players and attracted a decent crowd to the South Florida course owned by former US President Donald Trump, the first LIV season has caused division within golf that shows no signs of ending.

Reports suggest LIV Golf is looking to add more top players to its lineup ahead of an expanded 14-event second season. Johnson said LIV will go from strength to strength.

"Just look at what happened today," he said. "Obviously, yeah, it was a team effort, but coming down the 18th hole, it ended up coming down to me and Cam playing the 18th hole to see who wins the team championship.

"You couldn't have drawn it up any better, but I think that's what LIV is. Look at all the fans. Look how much fun they have. I think this season went incredible and I think next season is going to be even better."

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With legal cases heading to courts, disputes over world ranking points and Ryder Cup eligibility issues for LIV players, the rancour in the golf world doesn't look to soon fade, not to mention criticism over the financial backing of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF over human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.

But on Sunday, LIV players were in a bullish mood and Perez used the occassion to make his feelings clear about criticism of the new circuit.

"All the pushback, all the negative comments, everything we've gotten, at this point, I really don't care. I mean, I don't care. I'm paid. I don't give a damn," Perez said.

"My team played unbelievable this year. I feel like I'm really part of something that I've never been part of, other than me and my caddie, we've just been just us our whole life.

"To have these guys and their caddies and families and coaches and everybody, it's just one big family now. I just couldn't be any happier. It's unbelievable."

American Dustin Johnson's 4 Aces squad won the inaugural LIV Golf Series team championship at Trump National on Sunday to claim the $16 million top prize. Johnson, who earned a reported $150 million by signing up to the Saudi-backed venture, pockets another $4 million as his share of the team prize money to add to the rewards he gained through winning the debut season's individual title.

American Dustin Johnson's 4 Aces squad won the inaugural LIV Golf Series team championship at Trump National on Sunday to claim the $16 million top prize. Johnson, who earned a reported $150 million by signing up to the Saudi-backed venture, pockets another $4 million as his share of the team prize money to add to the rewards he gained through winning the debut season's individual title. Between team prizes throughout the season and individual event wins, plus his $18 million bonus for claiming the year's individual crown, Johnson ends the inaugural LIV campaign with an eye-watering $35 million in earnings. "Personally, my season, yeah, you add up the numbers and it was great, but I played good -- I didn't play my best, so it always could be better, but that's golf," Johnson said. "But I'm just happy that the 4 Aces just won this tournament. That's all that matters," he said after shooting a two under-par 70 on the Doral Blue Monster course. Also Read: Virat Kohli furious after invasion of privacy in hotel room, says I am not okay with this kind of fanaticism Johnson's all-American team -- featuring Talor Gooch, Patrick Reed and Pat Perez -- shot a combined 7-under 281, winning by a shot over Cameron Smith's all-Australian Punch GC. British Open champion Smith shot a superb 65 and jousted with Johnson until the death. The winning team were sprayed by champagne on the final green on a day in which $34 million in prize money was distributed to the four teams in the final. While the celebrations were genuine and the team format certainly generated enthusiasm from players and attracted a decent crowd to the South Florida course owned by former US President Donald Trump, the first LIV season has caused division within golf that shows no signs of ending. Reports suggest LIV Golf is looking to add more top players to its lineup ahead of an expanded 14-event second season. Johnson said LIV will go from strength to strength. "Just look at what happened today," he said. "Obviously, yeah, it was a team effort, but coming down the 18th hole, it ended up coming down to me and Cam playing the 18th hole to see who wins the team championship. "You couldn't have drawn it up any better, but I think that's what LIV is. Look at all the fans. Look how much fun they have. I think this season went incredible and I think next season is going to be even better." Also Read: Max Verstappen sets Formula One record for most wins in a season after clinching Mexico City GP With legal cases heading to courts, disputes over world ranking points and Ryder Cup eligibility issues for LIV players, the rancour in the golf world doesn't look to soon fade, not to mention criticism over the financial backing of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF over human rights issues in Saudi Arabia. But on Sunday, LIV players were in a bullish mood and Perez used the occassion to make his feelings clear about criticism of the new circuit. "All the pushback, all the negative comments, everything we've gotten, at this point, I really don't care. I mean, I don't care. I'm paid. I don't give a damn," Perez said. "My team played unbelievable this year. I feel like I'm really part of something that I've never been part of, other than me and my caddie, we've just been just us our whole life. "To have these guys and their caddies and families and coaches and everybody, it's just one big family now. I just couldn't be any happier. It's unbelievable."

Dustin Johnson claims lucrative LIV Golf double after leading his team to title

Twice major winner Dustin Johnson won $18 million after clinching the individual title in the&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Series with a 16th-place finish at the latest event in Bangkok, Thailand, the Saudi-backed circuit said on Monday. The American, 38, shot a five-under-par 67 on Sunday to finish on nine-under-par, leaving him with an insurmountable 42-point lead over Branden Grace of South Africa. Johnson finished in the top five in four of the previous five events, taking home $4 million for his only win of the series in Boston in September.

"Locking up the individual competition is big. It's an honour to be&nbsp;LIV's first individual season champion," Johnson said. Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters winner, sits in third in the overall standings while British Open champion Cameron Smith is in fourth spot. The runner-up will be awarded $8 million while the third-placed player earns $4 million. The individual competition concludes in Jeddah from Oct. 14-16 before a final team championship at former U.S. president Donald Trump's Doral course in Miami.

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"The first chapter of&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf's history could not be written without Dustin Johnson's name,"&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;chief executive Greg Norman said. "By any measure, DJ is among the elite players in the world. From the start he's been an&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf cornerstone. He has more than&nbsp;lived up to his billing and deserves immense credit." LIV&nbsp;Golf has lured away some of the U.S.-based PGA Tour's top members with huge sums of money, leading to a simmering feud between the sport's top players and organisers.

LIV&nbsp;tournaments do not count towards the world rankings, and players who compete in the breakaway series have been suspended from the PGA Tour. The series is s bankrolled by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund and critics have accused it of being a vehicle for the country to attempt to improve its reputation in the face of criticism of its human rights record.

Twice major winner Dustin Johnson won $18 million after clinching the individual title in the LIV Series with a 16th-place finish at the latest event in Bangkok, Thailand, the Saudi-backed circuit said on Monday.

Twice major winner Dustin Johnson won $18 million after clinching the individual title in the LIV Series with a 16th-place finish at the latest event in Bangkok, Thailand, the Saudi-backed circuit said on Monday. The American, 38, shot a five-under-par 67 on Sunday to finish on nine-under-par, leaving him with an insurmountable 42-point lead over Branden Grace of South Africa. Johnson finished in the top five in four of the previous five events, taking home $4 million for his only win of the series in Boston in September. "Locking up the individual competition is big. It's an honour to be LIV's first individual season champion," Johnson said. Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters winner, sits in third in the overall standings while British Open champion Cameron Smith is in fourth spot. The runner-up will be awarded $8 million while the third-placed player earns $4 million. The individual competition concludes in Jeddah from Oct. 14-16 before a final team championship at former U.S. president Donald Trump's Doral course in Miami. ALSO READ | South Korea's Tom Kim equals Tiger Woods' feat with Shriners Children's Open win "The first chapter of LIV Golf's history could not be written without Dustin Johnson's name," LIV chief executive Greg Norman said. "By any measure, DJ is among the elite players in the world. From the start he's been an LIV Golf cornerstone. He has more than lived up to his billing and deserves immense credit." LIV Golf has lured away some of the U.S.-based PGA Tour's top members with huge sums of money, leading to a simmering feud between the sport's top players and organisers. LIV tournaments do not count towards the world rankings, and players who compete in the breakaway series have been suspended from the PGA Tour. The series is s bankrolled by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund and critics have accused it of being a vehicle for the country to attempt to improve its reputation in the face of criticism of its human rights record.

Twice major winner Dustin Johnson pockets $18 million as inaugural LIV Series champion

Dustin&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;is the money leader halfway through the first season of the LIV Golf Series, earning $7.7 million through just four individual events. Tack on the money he's made in team play, and his winnings stand at nearly $10 million, Golfweek reported Tuesday.

Johnson&nbsp;won the fourth of LIV's eight 2022 events in a playoff on Sunday, taking the $4 million first prize at the tournament near Boston.

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In all, 24 players have claimed at least $1 million in individual earnings through the first four events. That doesn't include income from the signing bonuses -- nine figures, in some cases -- given to players by the controversial Saudi-backed tour.

Other players joining&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;with at least $4 million in winnings are South Africans Branden Grace ($6 million) and Charl Schwartzel ($4.5 million), and Henrik Stenson of Sweden ($4 million).

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Johnson&nbsp;played his first of 307 events on the PGA Tour in 2007. His career tour earnings are just shy of $75 million. LIV play resumes Sept. 16-18 at the LIV Golf Invitational Chicago at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill.

Dustin Johnson is the money leader halfway through the first season of the LIV Golf Series, earning $7.7 million through just four individual events. Tack on the money he's made in team play, and his winnings stand at nearly $10 million, Golfweek reported Tuesday.

Dustin Johnson is the money leader halfway through the first season of the LIV Golf Series, earning $7.7 million through just four individual events. Tack on the money he's made in team play, and his winnings stand at nearly $10 million, Golfweek reported Tuesday. Johnson won the fourth of LIV's eight 2022 events in a playoff on Sunday, taking the $4 million first prize at the tournament near Boston. ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios handed shock upset by Karen Khachanov at the cusp of US Open semi-finals In all, 24 players have claimed at least $1 million in individual earnings through the first four events. That doesn't include income from the signing bonuses -- nine figures, in some cases -- given to players by the controversial Saudi-backed tour. Other players joining Johnson with at least $4 million in winnings are South Africans Branden Grace ($6 million) and Charl Schwartzel ($4.5 million), and Henrik Stenson of Sweden ($4 million). ALSO READ: French green party propose a 'PSG Bill' to limit the use of private planes in France: Report Johnson played his first of 307 events on the PGA Tour in 2007. His career tour earnings are just shy of $75 million. LIV play resumes Sept. 16-18 at the LIV Golf Invitational Chicago at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill.

Dustin Johnson breaks bank as he racks up nearly $10 million across multiple events in LIV Golf Series

Dustin Johnson gave LIV Golf its first big moment when he made a 35-foot eagle putt on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff to win the LIV Golf Invitational-Boston for his first victory in 19 months.

Johnson's putt on the par-5 18th was going so fast it might have rolled some 6 feet past the hole on Sunday. But it hit the back of the cup and dropped down near the front of the cup to beat Joaquin Niemann and Anirban Lahiri.

He raised his arm and dropped it for a slow-motion uppercut, instead slapping hands with Austin Johnson, his brother and caddie. The win was worth USD 4 million for Johnson. With his team winning again, he now has made USD 9,962,500 in four events.

"It was going a little fast, but it was a good line," Johnson said with a big smile. "I got some unlucky breaks (on No. 18) the first time around. It owed me one and I got it."

The first playoff in four LIV Golf events capped an otherwise sloppy finish by so many others who had a chance. 
Johnson, who closed with a 5-under 65, needed a birdie on the par-5 18th. His drive bounced into the right rough, his iron to lay up went into the trees well to the left and he had to scramble for par to join Lahiri (64) and Niemann (66) at 15-under 265.

Lahiri hit a fairway metal to 5 feet on the 18th in regulation, and his eagle putt that would have won it rolled around the right edge of the cup.

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Lee Westwood finished one shot out of a playoff after a 62 that included bogeys on two of his last three holes. He was poised to win when he bounced back from a bogey on No. 1 in the shotgun start with a short birdie on the par-3 second.

He finished on No. 3, a 352-yard hole and great birdie opportunity. Westwood hit a lob wedge that was so fat it came up some 40 feet short of the pin and into a bunker. He blasted out weakly and missed the 18-foot par putt.

"The lob wedge was a little fat," Westwood said.

"Make 3 and I win the tournament and I make 5. It's a sickening way to finish."

British Open champion Cameron Smith, among six players who recently signed with the Saudi-funded league, had a 63. He also was tied for the lead until hitting his tee shot into the trees on No. 1, his 17th hole, and having to pitch out sideways. He made bogey.

Smith tied for fourth with Westwood. Each made just over USD 1 million. Johnson had not won since the Saudi International on Feb. 7, 2021, when it was part of the European tour schedule. The player who has been No. 1 longer than anyone since Tiger Woods slipped out of the top 15 in the world when he signed with LIV Golf.

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He was part of the rival league from the start in early June outside London, and he has finished in the top 10 in all of them.

"I've had a chance to win every one," he said.

"That's three in a row for the team, and for me to get my first, I'm feeling good."

He walked off the 18th green holding a phone in a video call to his two sons. Lahiri and Niemann each made just over $1.8 million for losing in the playoff. They were among six players who signed with LIV Golf after the PGA Tour season end.

The next LIV Golf Invitational series is in two weeks in the Chicago suburbs at Rich Harvest Farms, best known for hosting the Solheim Cup in 2009.

Dustin Johnson gave LIV Golf its first big moment when he made a 35-foot eagle putt on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff to win the LIV Golf Invitational-Boston for his first victory in 19 months.

Dustin Johnson gave LIV Golf its first big moment when he made a 35-foot eagle putt on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff to win the LIV Golf Invitational-Boston for his first victory in 19 months. Johnson's putt on the par-5 18th was going so fast it might have rolled some 6 feet past the hole on Sunday. But it hit the back of the cup and dropped down near the front of the cup to beat Joaquin Niemann and Anirban Lahiri. He raised his arm and dropped it for a slow-motion uppercut, instead slapping hands with Austin Johnson, his brother and caddie. The win was worth USD 4 million for Johnson. With his team winning again, he now has made USD 9,962,500 in four events. "It was going a little fast, but it was a good line," Johnson said with a big smile. "I got some unlucky breaks (on No. 18) the first time around. It owed me one and I got it." The first playoff in four LIV Golf events capped an otherwise sloppy finish by so many others who had a chance. Johnson, who closed with a 5-under 65, needed a birdie on the par-5 18th. His drive bounced into the right rough, his iron to lay up went into the trees well to the left and he had to scramble for par to join Lahiri (64) and Niemann (66) at 15-under 265. Lahiri hit a fairway metal to 5 feet on the 18th in regulation, and his eagle putt that would have won it rolled around the right edge of the cup. Also Read: Exclusive! India's Anirban Lahiri opens up on Liv Golf move Lee Westwood finished one shot out of a playoff after a 62 that included bogeys on two of his last three holes. He was poised to win when he bounced back from a bogey on No. 1 in the shotgun start with a short birdie on the par-3 second. He finished on No. 3, a 352-yard hole and great birdie opportunity. Westwood hit a lob wedge that was so fat it came up some 40 feet short of the pin and into a bunker. He blasted out weakly and missed the 18-foot par putt. "The lob wedge was a little fat," Westwood said. "Make 3 and I win the tournament and I make 5. It's a sickening way to finish." British Open champion Cameron Smith, among six players who recently signed with the Saudi-funded league, had a 63. He also was tied for the lead until hitting his tee shot into the trees on No. 1, his 17th hole, and having to pitch out sideways. He made bogey. Smith tied for fourth with Westwood. Each made just over USD 1 million. Johnson had not won since the Saudi International on Feb. 7, 2021, when it was part of the European tour schedule. The player who has been No. 1 longer than anyone since Tiger Woods slipped out of the top 15 in the world when he signed with LIV Golf. Also Read: LIV Golf Series - India's Anirban Lahiri moves into fourth place He was part of the rival league from the start in early June outside London, and he has finished in the top 10 in all of them. "I've had a chance to win every one," he said. "That's three in a row for the team, and for me to get my first, I'm feeling good." He walked off the 18th green holding a phone in a video call to his two sons. Lahiri and Niemann each made just over $1.8 million for losing in the playoff. They were among six players who signed with LIV Golf after the PGA Tour season end. The next LIV Golf Invitational series is in two weeks in the Chicago suburbs at Rich Harvest Farms, best known for hosting the Solheim Cup in 2009.

Dustin Johnson makes eagle putt to win LIV Golf Boston event in playoff

Top-ranked defending champion Dustin Johnson has more time to prepare for next week's US PGA Heritage Classic than he really wanted after missing the cut at the 85th Masters.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy also failed to reach the weekend for only the second time in 13 trips to Augusta National, missing his chance to complete a career Grand Slam for another year.

And four-time major champion Brooks Koepka, who battled to play after right knee surgery a month ago, wasn't among the 54 who reached the weekend at the year's first major championship.

"I worked my ass off just to get here and then to play like this is pretty disappointing," Koepka said.

Johnson and Koepka each cited putting woes as their reason for being done, although Koepka will get weekend physical therapy and Johnson must put the green jacket on the shoulders of the new Masters champion in a Sunday ceremony.

"Mostly just the putter. Six three-putts in two rounds, you just can't do that," Johnson said.

"Didn't drive it great but drove it good enough, and I felt like I never was really too bad out of position. Just the three-putts killed me.

"I just didn't putt very well. My speed was awful. I just left it short from 10 feet there on the last hole. I just didn't have a good beat on the speed the last two days."

Koepka and Johnson both shot 75 to finish on five-over 149 while McIlroy, who did not speak after, was on 150 after a closing 74.

McIlroy has been reworking his swing with coach Pete Cowen and said Thursday he was very much still in a transition process.

"Any time you're working on things with your swing, it's going to feel very different, but it's not as if I haven't done these things before," McIlroy said.

"It's like you get into these bad habits and that feels normal, and then you get it back into position where I've been a million times before and it just feels a little different."

Koepka putting woes were major as well.

"Putter was ice cold. Didn't make any putts," he said. "I don't want to say the speed was off, maybe the reads a little bit. Maybe the start line. A lot of them felt like good putts, and they weren't even hitting the hole.

"They felt good coming off the face, but they didn't even sniff it."

Koepka was pleased he had the stamina to walk 18 holes at hilly Augusta.

"Downhill was tough," Koepka said. "I don't feel as sore as I did yesterday, so I feel better. It's nice to know I can walk 18."

Koepka will play in next month's PGA Championship at Kiawah Island but wasn't sure if he would play a US PGA event before the next major tournament.

"Tough to say," he said. "Just for how it feels, how rehab goes and everything. I wouldn't have been playing for another month if it wasn't (Masters) week. So I'll take a nice long break after this."

Top-ranked defending champion Dustin Johnson has more time to prepare for next week's US PGA Heritage Classic than he really wanted after missing the cut at the 85th Masters.

Top-ranked defending champion Dustin Johnson has more time to prepare for next week's US PGA Heritage Classic than he really wanted after missing the cut at the 85th Masters. Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy also failed to reach the weekend for only the second time in 13 trips to Augusta National, missing his chance to complete a career Grand Slam for another year. And four-time major champion Brooks Koepka, who battled to play after right knee surgery a month ago, wasn't among the 54 who reached the weekend at the year's first major championship. "I worked my ass off just to get here and then to play like this is pretty disappointing," Koepka said. Johnson and Koepka each cited putting woes as their reason for being done, although Koepka will get weekend physical therapy and Johnson must put the green jacket on the shoulders of the new Masters champion in a Sunday ceremony. "Mostly just the putter. Six three-putts in two rounds, you just can't do that," Johnson said. "Didn't drive it great but drove it good enough, and I felt like I never was really too bad out of position. Just the three-putts killed me. "I just didn't putt very well. My speed was awful. I just left it short from 10 feet there on the last hole. I just didn't have a good beat on the speed the last two days." Koepka and Johnson both shot 75 to finish on five-over 149 while McIlroy, who did not speak after, was on 150 after a closing 74. McIlroy has been reworking his swing with coach Pete Cowen and said Thursday he was very much still in a transition process. "Any time you're working on things with your swing, it's going to feel very different, but it's not as if I haven't done these things before," McIlroy said. "It's like you get into these bad habits and that feels normal, and then you get it back into position where I've been a million times before and it just feels a little different." Koepka putting woes were major as well. "Putter was ice cold. Didn't make any putts," he said. "I don't want to say the speed was off, maybe the reads a little bit. Maybe the start line. A lot of them felt like good putts, and they weren't even hitting the hole. "They felt good coming off the face, but they didn't even sniff it." Koepka was pleased he had the stamina to walk 18 holes at hilly Augusta. "Downhill was tough," Koepka said. "I don't feel as sore as I did yesterday, so I feel better. It's nice to know I can walk 18." Koepka will play in next month's PGA Championship at Kiawah Island but wasn't sure if he would play a US PGA event before the next major tournament. "Tough to say," he said. "Just for how it feels, how rehab goes and everything. I wouldn't have been playing for another month if it wasn't (Masters) week. So I'll take a nice long break after this."

No. 1 Johnson, McIlroy and Koepka miss Masters cut

Sportswashing, a player awash with cash and a country's unlikely hero feature in AFP Sport's golf talking points this week:

<h2>- Casey's Saudi flip -</h2>

Paul Casey's decision to play in Saudi Arabia next year has laid him open to charges of hypocrisy after he previously shunned the country over its poor human rights record.

World number one and Masters champion Dustin Johnson will tee up in February's European Tour event in Saudi Arabia alongside US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, Open champion Shane Lowry and other global stars such as Patrick Reed, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood and Phil Mickelson.

But the big surprise among the 2021 Saudi International entries was England's former world number three Casey, who pointedly refused to play when the tournament began in 2019.&nbsp;

His stance was echoed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, who both turned down reported $3 million appearance fees. "I just don't want to go," said McIlroy at the time, calling it "a morality issue".

Saudi Arabia has hosted a number of high-profile events recently and will hold its first Formula One grand prix next year, bringing accusations of "sportswashing" -- using sport to divert attention away from human rights issues.&nbsp;

Casey, a UNICEF ambassador, told the UK's Independent newspaper in January 2019 that he "would be a hypocrite" if he accepted Saudi appearance money.

But this week the world number 23 defended his U-turn. "This is not a decision I've taken lightly," Casey said in a statement.&nbsp;

"I wasn't comfortable going in the past, but I have always been open-minded and willing to learn. I believe sport has the power to effect change."&nbsp;

<h2>- Johnson's golden 2020&nbsp;-</h2>

Dustin Johnson has pulled out of this week's Mayakoba Classic, the final US PGA Tour event of 2020, meaning a strange but highly successful playing year has come to an end.

The world number one endured some bizarre ups and downs after the sport returned from shutdown in June.

He was forced to sit out two big-purse events after contracting Covid-19, and posted back-to-back rounds of 80 for the first time in his career, but also became FedEx Cup champion and won a small matter of four times -- including the Tour Championship and his first Masters at Augusta, his second major title.

Johnson's tournament winnings since June alone were $8.95 million, and once you throw in the $15 million bonus he received for winning the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup at East Lake in September his on-course earnings soar to an eye-watering $23.95 million in five months.

Most important of all, though, he now has a new green jacket.

<h2>- Pole in Olympic position &nbsp;-</h2>

Christiaan Bezuidenhout won his second European Tour event in South Africa at the weekend but a man who came tied second made almost as many headlines.

Adrian Meronk was bidding to become the first Pole to win on the European tour, and although the 6ft 6in rookie came up short after leading going into Sunday's final round, the 27-year-old has now set his sights on qualifying for next year's Olympics.

That would be some achievement, coming from a country that only has an estimated few thousand golfers in a population of almost 40 million -- a legacy of the days of Soviet control where the sport was frowned upon.

European and US PGA tour events were not even shown on Polish television until two years ago.

"There has been a lot of growth in playing numbers this year in Poland," Meronk told Golf Digest.&nbsp;

"Because of the virus, people have been looking for things to do outdoors. And golf has benefited. New courses are being built.&nbsp;

"If I was to win on the European Tour, it would be huge for golf in Poland. So would making it to the Olympics. I'm in right now through my world ranking," said the world number 195.&nbsp;

"If I was to do well in that, golf would get a lot of publicity."

<h2>- World rankings -</h2>

Top 10s, week beginning November 30, 2020:

Men

1. Dustin Johnson (USA) 13.06

2. Jon Rahm (ESP) 10.42

3. Justin Thomas (USA) 9.62

4. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 7.57

5. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 7.38 (+1)

6. Webb Simpson (USA) 7.30 (+1)

7. Xander Schauffele (USA) 7.24 (+1)&nbsp;

8. Collin Morikawa (USA) 7.24 (-3)&nbsp;

9. Patrick Cantlay (USA) 6.47&nbsp;

10. Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 6.27

Women

1. Ko Jin-young (KOR) 7.79&nbsp;

2. Kim Sei-young (KOR) 7.38&nbsp;

3. Nelly Korda (USA) 6.59&nbsp;

4. Danielle Kang (USA) 6.40&nbsp;

5. Park In-bee (KOR) 6.18&nbsp;

6. Brooke Henderson (CAN) 5.81&nbsp;

7. Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 5.71

8. Minjee Lee (AUS) 5.25&nbsp;

9. Park Sung-hyun (KOR) 4.99&nbsp;

10. Kim Hyo-joo (KOR) 4.90

Sportswashing, a player awash with cash and a country's unlikely hero feature in AFP Sport's golf talking points this week: - Casey's Saudi flip - Paul Casey's decision to play in Saudi Arabia next year has laid him open to charges of hypocrisy after he previously shunned the country over its poor human rights record.

Sportswashing, a player awash with cash and a country's unlikely hero feature in AFP Sport's golf talking points this week: - Casey's Saudi flip - Paul Casey's decision to play in Saudi Arabia next year has laid him open to charges of hypocrisy after he previously shunned the country over its poor human rights record. World number one and Masters champion Dustin Johnson will tee up in February's European Tour event in Saudi Arabia alongside US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, Open champion Shane Lowry and other global stars such as Patrick Reed, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood and Phil Mickelson. But the big surprise among the 2021 Saudi International entries was England's former world number three Casey, who pointedly refused to play when the tournament began in 2019. His stance was echoed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, who both turned down reported $3 million appearance fees. "I just don't want to go," said McIlroy at the time, calling it "a morality issue". Saudi Arabia has hosted a number of high-profile events recently and will hold its first Formula One grand prix next year, bringing accusations of "sportswashing" -- using sport to divert attention away from human rights issues. Casey, a UNICEF ambassador, told the UK's Independent newspaper in January 2019 that he "would be a hypocrite" if he accepted Saudi appearance money. But this week the world number 23 defended his U-turn. "This is not a decision I've taken lightly," Casey said in a statement. "I wasn't comfortable going in the past, but I have always been open-minded and willing to learn. I believe sport has the power to effect change." - Johnson's golden 2020 - Dustin Johnson has pulled out of this week's Mayakoba Classic, the final US PGA Tour event of 2020, meaning a strange but highly successful playing year has come to an end. The world number one endured some bizarre ups and downs after the sport returned from shutdown in June. He was forced to sit out two big-purse events after contracting Covid-19, and posted back-to-back rounds of 80 for the first time in his career, but also became FedEx Cup champion and won a small matter of four times -- including the Tour Championship and his first Masters at Augusta, his second major title. Johnson's tournament winnings since June alone were $8.95 million, and once you throw in the $15 million bonus he received for winning the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup at East Lake in September his on-course earnings soar to an eye-watering $23.95 million in five months. Most important of all, though, he now has a new green jacket. - Pole in Olympic position - Christiaan Bezuidenhout won his second European Tour event in South Africa at the weekend but a man who came tied second made almost as many headlines. Adrian Meronk was bidding to become the first Pole to win on the European tour, and although the 6ft 6in rookie came up short after leading going into Sunday's final round, the 27-year-old has now set his sights on qualifying for next year's Olympics. That would be some achievement, coming from a country that only has an estimated few thousand golfers in a population of almost 40 million -- a legacy of the days of Soviet control where the sport was frowned upon. European and US PGA tour events were not even shown on Polish television until two years ago. "There has been a lot of growth in playing numbers this year in Poland," Meronk told Golf Digest. "Because of the virus, people have been looking for things to do outdoors. And golf has benefited. New courses are being built. "If I was to win on the European Tour, it would be huge for golf in Poland. So would making it to the Olympics. I'm in right now through my world ranking," said the world number 195. "If I was to do well in that, golf would get a lot of publicity." - World rankings - Top 10s, week beginning November 30, 2020: Men 1. Dustin Johnson (USA) 13.06 2. Jon Rahm (ESP) 10.42 3. Justin Thomas (USA) 9.62 4. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 7.57 5. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 7.38 (+1) 6. Webb Simpson (USA) 7.30 (+1) 7. Xander Schauffele (USA) 7.24 (+1) 8. Collin Morikawa (USA) 7.24 (-3) 9. Patrick Cantlay (USA) 6.47 10. Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 6.27 Women 1. Ko Jin-young (KOR) 7.79 2. Kim Sei-young (KOR) 7.38 3. Nelly Korda (USA) 6.59 4. Danielle Kang (USA) 6.40 5. Park In-bee (KOR) 6.18 6. Brooke Henderson (CAN) 5.81 7. Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 5.71 8. Minjee Lee (AUS) 5.25 9. Park Sung-hyun (KOR) 4.99 10. Kim Hyo-joo (KOR) 4.90

Desert storms, Dustin's millions: golf talking points

Masters records, emerging talent and the LPGA Tour's return feature in AFP Sport's golf talking points this week:

<h2>- Top rank, major hindrance -</h2>

Dustin Johnson secured his second major with a record-breaking 20-under-par total at the Masters, also breaking a cursed run for world number ones in majors.

Incredibly, Johnson was the first world number one to win any major since Rory McIlroy's victory at the US PGA Championship in 2014.

He was also the first player who was top of the rankings to win the Masters since Tiger Woods in 2002.&nbsp;

In fact, down the years being world number one has been almost a disadvantage in majors.

Johnson is only the fifth player since the world rankings began in 1986 to win a major while on top, joining Ian Woosnam, Fred Couples, Woods and McIlroy.

But while Woods managed it as number one for 11 of his 15 major victories, the others have only done it once each.&nbsp;

That means just 15 majors out of 139 since the rankings began have seen the world number one lift the trophy. And just four out of 128 if your name doesn't happen to be Tiger Woods.

<h2>- Im makes Asian history -</h2>

Im Sung-jae at just 22 years old crowned a remarkable debut at Augusta National with Asia's best finish in the US Masters, as the South Korean finished joint runner-up alongside Australia's Cameron Smith.&nbsp;

Im, the 2019 US PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, eclipsed countryman KJ Choi's third place in 2004 after closing&nbsp;with a final round of three-under-par 69 to finish 15-under, five strokes behind winner Dustin Johnson.

Im, who won The Honda Classic for his first PGA Tour victory in March, now has his sights set on becoming Asia's second major winner, after South Korea's YE Yang who lifted the US PGA Championship in 2009. Yang's best finish in the Masters was tied eighth in 2010.&nbsp;

"Finishing tied for second is unbelievable, and I'm proud of my game," said Im, who has broken into the world's top 20 for the first time.

He also joined some illustrious company in becoming the third-youngest player in history, after Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods, to finish in the top five at the Masters.

<h2>- LPGA back to the future -</h2>

If you thought that was it for majors in 2020 once Johnson had slipped on his green jacket, then think again. The Women's US Open is still to come on December 10 at the Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas.

Ahead of that the US LPGA Tour swings back into action this week after a break of almost a month with the inaugural Pelican Championship at Belleair in Tampa, Florida, marking a return to the area where the elite women's tour all began 70 years ago.

The first ever LPGA event was played in Tampa in January 1950, but the tour hasn't been back since the St. Petersburg Women's Open was played there in 1989.

On its return to its birthplace, world number one Ko Jin-young will finally be making her 2020 LPGA debut in a Covid-wracked year, having chosen to remain in South Korea and play the domestic KLPGA Tour during the pandemic.

Ko will be welcomed back by a field that is one of the year's strongest outside a major with other top 10 stars Kim Sei-young, Nelly Korda, Danielle Kang, Nasa Hataoka, Brooke Henderson, Minjee Lee and Park Sung-hyun all teeing up.

<h2>- World rankings -</h2>

Top 10s, week beginning November 16, 2020:

Men

1. Dustin Johnson (USA) 12.76&nbsp;

2. Jon Rahm (ESP) 10.29&nbsp;

3. Justin Thomas (USA) 9.48&nbsp;

4. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 7.53 (+1)&nbsp;

5. Collin Morikawa (USA) 7.42 (-1)

6. Webb Simpson (USA) 7.31 (+1)

7. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 7.28 (-1)&nbsp;

8. Xander Schauffele (USA) 7.16&nbsp;

9. Patrick Cantlay (USA) 6.36 (+1)&nbsp;

10. Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 6.22 (-1)

Selected:&nbsp;

18. Im Sung-jae (KOR) 4.44 (+7)

27. Cameron Smith (AUS) 3.43 (+18)&nbsp;

Women

1. Ko Jin-young&nbsp;&nbsp;(KOR) 7.90&nbsp;

2. Kim Sei-young (KOR) 6.87&nbsp;

3. Nelly Korda (USA) 6.59&nbsp;

4. Danielle Kang (USA) 6.40&nbsp;

5. Park In-bee (KOR) 6.18

6. Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 5.80&nbsp;

7. Brooke Henderson (CAN) 5.77&nbsp;

8. Minjee Lee (AUS) 5.28&nbsp;

9. Park Sung-hyun (KOR) 5.23&nbsp;

10. Kim Hyo-joo (KOR) 4.90

Masters records, emerging talent and the LPGA Tour's return feature in AFP Sport's golf talking points this week: - Top rank, major hindrance - Dustin Johnson secured his second major with a record-breaking 20-under-par total at the Masters, also breaking a cursed run for world number ones in majors.

Masters records, emerging talent and the LPGA Tour's return feature in AFP Sport's golf talking points this week: - Top rank, major hindrance - Dustin Johnson secured his second major with a record-breaking 20-under-par total at the Masters, also breaking a cursed run for world number ones in majors. Incredibly, Johnson was the first world number one to win any major since Rory McIlroy's victory at the US PGA Championship in 2014. He was also the first player who was top of the rankings to win the Masters since Tiger Woods in 2002. In fact, down the years being world number one has been almost a disadvantage in majors. Johnson is only the fifth player since the world rankings began in 1986 to win a major while on top, joining Ian Woosnam, Fred Couples, Woods and McIlroy. But while Woods managed it as number one for 11 of his 15 major victories, the others have only done it once each. That means just 15 majors out of 139 since the rankings began have seen the world number one lift the trophy. And just four out of 128 if your name doesn't happen to be Tiger Woods. - Im makes Asian history - Im Sung-jae at just 22 years old crowned a remarkable debut at Augusta National with Asia's best finish in the US Masters, as the South Korean finished joint runner-up alongside Australia's Cameron Smith. Im, the 2019 US PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, eclipsed countryman KJ Choi's third place in 2004 after closing with a final round of three-under-par 69 to finish 15-under, five strokes behind winner Dustin Johnson. Im, who won The Honda Classic for his first PGA Tour victory in March, now has his sights set on becoming Asia's second major winner, after South Korea's YE Yang who lifted the US PGA Championship in 2009. Yang's best finish in the Masters was tied eighth in 2010. "Finishing tied for second is unbelievable, and I'm proud of my game," said Im, who has broken into the world's top 20 for the first time. He also joined some illustrious company in becoming the third-youngest player in history, after Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods, to finish in the top five at the Masters. - LPGA back to the future - If you thought that was it for majors in 2020 once Johnson had slipped on his green jacket, then think again. The Women's US Open is still to come on December 10 at the Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas. Ahead of that the US LPGA Tour swings back into action this week after a break of almost a month with the inaugural Pelican Championship at Belleair in Tampa, Florida, marking a return to the area where the elite women's tour all began 70 years ago. The first ever LPGA event was played in Tampa in January 1950, but the tour hasn't been back since the St. Petersburg Women's Open was played there in 1989. On its return to its birthplace, world number one Ko Jin-young will finally be making her 2020 LPGA debut in a Covid-wracked year, having chosen to remain in South Korea and play the domestic KLPGA Tour during the pandemic. Ko will be welcomed back by a field that is one of the year's strongest outside a major with other top 10 stars Kim Sei-young, Nelly Korda, Danielle Kang, Nasa Hataoka, Brooke Henderson, Minjee Lee and Park Sung-hyun all teeing up. - World rankings - Top 10s, week beginning November 16, 2020: Men 1. Dustin Johnson (USA) 12.76 2. Jon Rahm (ESP) 10.29 3. Justin Thomas (USA) 9.48 4. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 7.53 (+1) 5. Collin Morikawa (USA) 7.42 (-1) 6. Webb Simpson (USA) 7.31 (+1) 7. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 7.28 (-1) 8. Xander Schauffele (USA) 7.16 9. Patrick Cantlay (USA) 6.36 (+1) 10. Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 6.22 (-1) Selected: 18. Im Sung-jae (KOR) 4.44 (+7) 27. Cameron Smith (AUS) 3.43 (+18) Women 1. Ko Jin-young (KOR) 7.90 2. Kim Sei-young (KOR) 6.87 3. Nelly Korda (USA) 6.59 4. Danielle Kang (USA) 6.40 5. Park In-bee (KOR) 6.18 6. Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 5.80 7. Brooke Henderson (CAN) 5.77 8. Minjee Lee (AUS) 5.28 9. Park Sung-hyun (KOR) 5.23 10. Kim Hyo-joo (KOR) 4.90

Johnson breaks a curse, Im on the rise: golf talking points

Top-ranked Dustin Johnson won the Masters in record-smashing fashion on Sunday, capturing his second major title with the lowest total score in Augusta National history.

The 36-year-old American, known for keeping his cool on the course, was in tears after winning the green jacket only an hour's drive from where he grew up.

"It's a dream come true," a crying Johnson said. "As a kid I always wanted to become a Masters champion. It's just incredible.

"I never have this much trouble gathering myself. On the golf course I'm good at it."

No one in Masters history was better as Johnson, whose other major victory came at the 2016 US Open, fired a four-under-par 68 to finish on a Masters record 20-under-par 268.

That was good enough for a five-stroke triumph over South Korean Im Sung-jae and Australian Cameron Smith with third-ranked American Justin Thomas fourth on 276.

Johnson's score in relation to par matched the lowest in major history and smashed the old 72-hole Masters mark of 18-under 270 set by Woods in 1997 and matched by Jordan Spieth in 2015.

It was an incredible turnaround for a player who missed his planned Masters tuneups after contracting Covid-19 last month, returning only last week with a runner-up effort in Houston.

Johnson, who began with a four-shot edge, had never converted a 54-hole major lead into a title, stumbling at the 2010, 2015 and 2018 US Opens and in August's PGA Championship, where he settled for a runner-up spot.

That hex ended Sunday, but not without some early drama as Johnson's lead fell to one.

Johnson made back-to-back bogeys at the fifth and par-3 sixth, ending a run of 33 bogey-free holes, to leave Im one back.

"They weren't bad shots," Johnson said. "I didn't let it bother me too much. At six I made a birdie and that got me back."

Im fell back with bogeys at six and seven, Johnson also birdied the par-5 eighth and never looked back.

"I was nervous all day," Johnson said. "I could feel it. The Masters to me was the biggest. It still feels like a dream. I'm proud of the way I handled myself and finished off the golf tournament."

Johnson, the first reigning world number one to grab the green jacket since Tiger Woods in 2002, was denied the usual champion's roars from spectators as no fans were allowed due to the Covid-19 pandemic that postponed the event from its usual April slot.

<h2>- 'Amazing ability' -</h2>

After overcoming his early wobble, Johnson was unflappable&nbsp;with deadly accuracy and consistency, his birdie streak from 13 through 15 lifting his week to historic status.

"DJ has just an amazing ability to stay calm in tough moments," Woods said. There's no one more suited to that, I think, than DJ."

Johnson's four total bogeys were the fewest of any Masters champion.

Im had the lowest score for any Masters newcomer but couldn't become the first debut winner since 1979.

"My goal was to make the cut," Im said through a translator. "To finish tied for second is unbelievable."

Smith closed on 69, becoming the first Masters player to shoot all four rounds in the 60s.

"That's cool," he said. "A lot of good around here this week."

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, needing a green jacket to complete a career Grand Slam,&nbsp;shot 69 to share fifth on 277 but never threatened Johnson.

<h2>- Woods horror show -</h2>

McIlroy, unable to recover from a first-round 75, took some solace after a sixth failed attempt to complete the career Slam.

"I didn't have a great start but over the last 54 holes, only two bogeys, a lot of great golf in there," McIlroy said. "Not overthinking it as much could be the key for me."

Woods, a five-time Masters winner and 15-time major champion, found Rae's Creek three times on his way to a septuple-bogey 10 at the par-3 12th, his worst score ever on a major hole. He responded with birdies on five of the last six holes to close on 76 and finish on 287.

"Hit a few too many shots than I wanted," Woods said. "Had a lot more experiences there in Rae's Creek."

Germany's Bernhard Langer, at 63 the oldest to make any Masters cut, shot 71 to finish on 285, one stroke better than US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, who closed on 73 and never threatened to overpower Augusta, nagged by dizziness.

"I've got to fix this dizziness," he said. "I've got to get healthy first and foremost."

Top-ranked Dustin Johnson won the Masters in record-smashing fashion on Sunday, capturing his second major title with the lowest total score in Augusta National history.

Top-ranked Dustin Johnson won the Masters in record-smashing fashion on Sunday, capturing his second major title with the lowest total score in Augusta National history. The 36-year-old American, known for keeping his cool on the course, was in tears after winning the green jacket only an hour's drive from where he grew up. "It's a dream come true," a crying Johnson said. "As a kid I always wanted to become a Masters champion. It's just incredible. "I never have this much trouble gathering myself. On the golf course I'm good at it." No one in Masters history was better as Johnson, whose other major victory came at the 2016 US Open, fired a four-under-par 68 to finish on a Masters record 20-under-par 268. That was good enough for a five-stroke triumph over South Korean Im Sung-jae and Australian Cameron Smith with third-ranked American Justin Thomas fourth on 276. Johnson's score in relation to par matched the lowest in major history and smashed the old 72-hole Masters mark of 18-under 270 set by Woods in 1997 and matched by Jordan Spieth in 2015. It was an incredible turnaround for a player who missed his planned Masters tuneups after contracting Covid-19 last month, returning only last week with a runner-up effort in Houston. Johnson, who began with a four-shot edge, had never converted a 54-hole major lead into a title, stumbling at the 2010, 2015 and 2018 US Opens and in August's PGA Championship, where he settled for a runner-up spot. That hex ended Sunday, but not without some early drama as Johnson's lead fell to one. Johnson made back-to-back bogeys at the fifth and par-3 sixth, ending a run of 33 bogey-free holes, to leave Im one back. "They weren't bad shots," Johnson said. "I didn't let it bother me too much. At six I made a birdie and that got me back." Im fell back with bogeys at six and seven, Johnson also birdied the par-5 eighth and never looked back. "I was nervous all day," Johnson said. "I could feel it. The Masters to me was the biggest. It still feels like a dream. I'm proud of the way I handled myself and finished off the golf tournament." Johnson, the first reigning world number one to grab the green jacket since Tiger Woods in 2002, was denied the usual champion's roars from spectators as no fans were allowed due to the Covid-19 pandemic that postponed the event from its usual April slot. - 'Amazing ability' - After overcoming his early wobble, Johnson was unflappable with deadly accuracy and consistency, his birdie streak from 13 through 15 lifting his week to historic status. "DJ has just an amazing ability to stay calm in tough moments," Woods said. There's no one more suited to that, I think, than DJ." Johnson's four total bogeys were the fewest of any Masters champion. Im had the lowest score for any Masters newcomer but couldn't become the first debut winner since 1979. "My goal was to make the cut," Im said through a translator. "To finish tied for second is unbelievable." Smith closed on 69, becoming the first Masters player to shoot all four rounds in the 60s. "That's cool," he said. "A lot of good around here this week." Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, needing a green jacket to complete a career Grand Slam, shot 69 to share fifth on 277 but never threatened Johnson. - Woods horror show - McIlroy, unable to recover from a first-round 75, took some solace after a sixth failed attempt to complete the career Slam. "I didn't have a great start but over the last 54 holes, only two bogeys, a lot of great golf in there," McIlroy said. "Not overthinking it as much could be the key for me." Woods, a five-time Masters winner and 15-time major champion, found Rae's Creek three times on his way to a septuple-bogey 10 at the par-3 12th, his worst score ever on a major hole. He responded with birdies on five of the last six holes to close on 76 and finish on 287. "Hit a few too many shots than I wanted," Woods said. "Had a lot more experiences there in Rae's Creek." Germany's Bernhard Langer, at 63 the oldest to make any Masters cut, shot 71 to finish on 285, one stroke better than US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, who closed on 73 and never threatened to overpower Augusta, nagged by dizziness. "I've got to fix this dizziness," he said. "I've got to get healthy first and foremost."

Tearful Johnson captures Masters for second major title

World number one Dustin Johnson capped a two-under-par 68 with a birdie at the last to seal a three-stroke victory in the US PGA Tour Championship and earn the $15 million FedEx Cup playoff title on Sunday.

Johnson finished with a 21-under-par total at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta -- three shots clear of Americans Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas.

"I hit the fairways when I needed to coming down the stretch," said Johnson, who started the day with a five-shot lead.

He rolled in an 18-foot birdie putt at the third, a 10-footer at the fifth and a three-footer at the sixth.

But bogeys at the seventh and eighth -- where he was in a fairway bunker -- opened the door just a crack for Thomas and Schauffele.

Neither could do enough, never getting the deficit below two strokes as &nbsp;Johnson parred nine straight.

That run included a 21-foot par-saving putt at the 13th, where he was in the left rough off the tee and right of the green and hit a poor chip but drained the putt to push his lead back to three over Schauffele.

"He made that putt, which I didn't," said Schauffele, who bogeyed the 13th. "That was a pinnacle moment, I think."

"Obviously it's a very tough trophy to win. This time I did control my own destiny, I knew what I had to do.

"But I still had to go out and play well today. I had a lot of great players right behind me and they played some good golf today. I knew I was going to have to come down the stretch and hit some golf shots."

He was in the fairway at the par-five 18th, but his approach hit the bank in front of the green and bounced back into the greenside bunker. He blasted out to five feet and made the putt for a closing birdie.

The 36-year-old claimed his 23rd US PGA Tour title and his third since the tour resumed in June after a three-month coronavirus shutdown.

He's the first overall points leader since 2009 to win the season-ending showdown for the $15 million (12.6 million euro) playoff prize.

Johnson had a head start coming into Eastlake. He began the week on 10-under thanks to his season points edge.

Spain's second-ranked Jon Rahm was next on 8-under with third-ranked Thomas on 7-under and others up to 10 shots adrift in the staggered start system.

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'dialed in' -</h2>

&nbsp;

Rahm, who edged Johnson in a playoff at the BMW Championship a week earlier, finished alone in third on 17-under after closing with his second straight 66.

Schauffele actually had the week's lowest 72-hole total of 15-under 265, but under the staggered start format he started the week seven adrift.

Johnson played 72 holes in 11-under 269.

Prior to his dramatic near miss at the BMW Championship, Johnson won the Northern Trust by 11 strokes to seize the world number one ranking.

In June, he won the Travelers Championship -- his first title since February 2019.

"I'm definitely playing probably the best I've ever played," the 2016 US Open champion said. "I really feel like everything is dialed in pretty well."

The Tour Championship marked the official end of the US tour's pandemic-disrupted 2019-2020 season.

The 2020-21 season starts this week with the Safeway Open, and while Johnson won't be there he and the world's other top golfers won't be settling down for some rest with the rescheduled US Open coming up at Winged Foot September 17-20.

"You've only got a few days," Johnson said.

World number one Dustin Johnson capped a two-under-par 68 with a birdie at the last to seal a three-stroke victory in the US PGA Tour Championship and earn the $15 million FedEx Cup playoff title on Sunday.

World number one Dustin Johnson capped a two-under-par 68 with a birdie at the last to seal a three-stroke victory in the US PGA Tour Championship and earn the $15 million FedEx Cup playoff title on Sunday. Johnson finished with a 21-under-par total at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta -- three shots clear of Americans Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas. "I hit the fairways when I needed to coming down the stretch," said Johnson, who started the day with a five-shot lead. He rolled in an 18-foot birdie putt at the third, a 10-footer at the fifth and a three-footer at the sixth. But bogeys at the seventh and eighth -- where he was in a fairway bunker -- opened the door just a crack for Thomas and Schauffele. Neither could do enough, never getting the deficit below two strokes as Johnson parred nine straight. That run included a 21-foot par-saving putt at the 13th, where he was in the left rough off the tee and right of the green and hit a poor chip but drained the putt to push his lead back to three over Schauffele. "He made that putt, which I didn't," said Schauffele, who bogeyed the 13th. "That was a pinnacle moment, I think." "Obviously it's a very tough trophy to win. This time I did control my own destiny, I knew what I had to do. "But I still had to go out and play well today. I had a lot of great players right behind me and they played some good golf today. I knew I was going to have to come down the stretch and hit some golf shots." He was in the fairway at the par-five 18th, but his approach hit the bank in front of the green and bounced back into the greenside bunker. He blasted out to five feet and made the putt for a closing birdie. The 36-year-old claimed his 23rd US PGA Tour title and his third since the tour resumed in June after a three-month coronavirus shutdown. He's the first overall points leader since 2009 to win the season-ending showdown for the $15 million (12.6 million euro) playoff prize. Johnson had a head start coming into Eastlake. He began the week on 10-under thanks to his season points edge. Spain's second-ranked Jon Rahm was next on 8-under with third-ranked Thomas on 7-under and others up to 10 shots adrift in the staggered start system. - 'dialed in' - Rahm, who edged Johnson in a playoff at the BMW Championship a week earlier, finished alone in third on 17-under after closing with his second straight 66. Schauffele actually had the week's lowest 72-hole total of 15-under 265, but under the staggered start format he started the week seven adrift. Johnson played 72 holes in 11-under 269. Prior to his dramatic near miss at the BMW Championship, Johnson won the Northern Trust by 11 strokes to seize the world number one ranking. In June, he won the Travelers Championship -- his first title since February 2019. "I'm definitely playing probably the best I've ever played," the 2016 US Open champion said. "I really feel like everything is dialed in pretty well." The Tour Championship marked the official end of the US tour's pandemic-disrupted 2019-2020 season. The 2020-21 season starts this week with the Safeway Open, and while Johnson won't be there he and the world's other top golfers won't be settling down for some rest with the rescheduled US Open coming up at Winged Foot September 17-20. "You've only got a few days," Johnson said.

Johnson wins Tour Championship and $15mn FedEx Cup playoff crown

Dustin Johnson captured his 20th US PGA Tour title on Sunday, firing a five-under par 66 to beat Rory McIlroy by five strokes in the final round of the WGC-Mexico Championship.

The 34-year-old American finished with a 21-under 263 total to win this event at the Club de Golf Chapultepec for the second time in three years.

"It clicked. I hit it really well this week," Johnson said. "It means a lot, to get 20 wins out here is very difficult. To do it before I turn 35 is pretty incredible.&nbsp;

"This is a big win for me. It gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the year. I feel like the game is in good form right now."

McIlroy closed with a 67 thanks to a sizzling back nine -- six birdies in seven holes before a bogey at 18 -- but it wasn't enough to catch red-hot Johnson, who posted five of his six birdies on the back nine.

Johnson has won at least one US PGA event in 12th consecutive years, with his 20th career win coming in his 246th start.&nbsp;

Englishmen Paul Casey and Ian Poulter shared third on 273, shooting 65 and 68 respectively in the fourth round, with Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who fired 68 to join the pack 10 off Johnson's pace.

Sergio Garcia, Patrick Cantlay and Cameron Smith shot identical 70s and shared sixth.&nbsp;

Justin Thomas had the round of the day with a nine-under 62 which left him ninth. He had four consecutive birdies on numbers 10-13 and fashioned nine birdies over his first dozen holes.

In was another stroke back to Tiger Woods, who closed out his week with a 69 and tied for 10th with fellow Americans Keegan Bradley and David Lipsky and Dutchman Joost Luiten.

Johnson got off to a tentative start with a bogey on the par-three third hole before making birdie on the par-five sixth.

"I felt some nerves at the beginning of the day but then I made some really good par saves early in the round and it gave me some momentum," Johnson said.

'Easy game for him'

He kicked it into high gear on the back nine with back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th holes and then strung together three birdies in a row beginning at the par-four 14th.

"I just think that this place, it definitely favours someone who's driving it well," Thomas said. "But as good as DJ's wedge game is, it's a pretty easy game for him sometimes."

McIlroy failed to take advantage of Johnson's sluggish start with two bogeys on the front nine at the fourth and sixth holes.

McIlroy got hot on the backside, making six birdies in a seven-hole stretch before closing with another bogey on the par-four 18th.

"No contest," said McIlroy. "Especially here. His drives are going 380 down the middle of the fairway and he's holing most of the putts he looks at."

Woods, a seven-time winner of the tournament, struggled on the greens for the second consecutive day.&nbsp;

The 14-time major champion missed short birdie putts on the par-5 15 and the par-4 16th hole. Woods now takes a week off before returning for back-to-back events at the Bay Hill and The Players.&nbsp;

Reigning Masters champion Patrick Reed shot a final round 73 while playing in the final group. He finished tied for 14th.

Dustin Johnson captured his 20th US PGA Tour title on Sunday, firing a five-under par 66 to beat Rory McIlroy by five strokes in the final round of the WGC-Mexico Championship.

Dustin Johnson captured his 20th US PGA Tour title on Sunday, firing a five-under par 66 to beat Rory McIlroy by five strokes in the final round of the WGC-Mexico Championship. The 34-year-old American finished with a 21-under 263 total to win this event at the Club de Golf Chapultepec for the second time in three years. "It clicked. I hit it really well this week," Johnson said. "It means a lot, to get 20 wins out here is very difficult. To do it before I turn 35 is pretty incredible. "This is a big win for me. It gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the year. I feel like the game is in good form right now." McIlroy closed with a 67 thanks to a sizzling back nine -- six birdies in seven holes before a bogey at 18 -- but it wasn't enough to catch red-hot Johnson, who posted five of his six birdies on the back nine. Johnson has won at least one US PGA event in 12th consecutive years, with his 20th career win coming in his 246th start. Englishmen Paul Casey and Ian Poulter shared third on 273, shooting 65 and 68 respectively in the fourth round, with Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who fired 68 to join the pack 10 off Johnson's pace. Sergio Garcia, Patrick Cantlay and Cameron Smith shot identical 70s and shared sixth. Justin Thomas had the round of the day with a nine-under 62 which left him ninth. He had four consecutive birdies on numbers 10-13 and fashioned nine birdies over his first dozen holes. In was another stroke back to Tiger Woods, who closed out his week with a 69 and tied for 10th with fellow Americans Keegan Bradley and David Lipsky and Dutchman Joost Luiten. Johnson got off to a tentative start with a bogey on the par-three third hole before making birdie on the par-five sixth. "I felt some nerves at the beginning of the day but then I made some really good par saves early in the round and it gave me some momentum," Johnson said. 'Easy game for him' He kicked it into high gear on the back nine with back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th holes and then strung together three birdies in a row beginning at the par-four 14th. "I just think that this place, it definitely favours someone who's driving it well," Thomas said. "But as good as DJ's wedge game is, it's a pretty easy game for him sometimes." McIlroy failed to take advantage of Johnson's sluggish start with two bogeys on the front nine at the fourth and sixth holes. McIlroy got hot on the backside, making six birdies in a seven-hole stretch before closing with another bogey on the par-four 18th. "No contest," said McIlroy. "Especially here. His drives are going 380 down the middle of the fairway and he's holing most of the putts he looks at." Woods, a seven-time winner of the tournament, struggled on the greens for the second consecutive day. The 14-time major champion missed short birdie putts on the par-5 15 and the par-4 16th hole. Woods now takes a week off before returning for back-to-back events at the Bay Hill and The Players. Reigning Masters champion Patrick Reed shot a final round 73 while playing in the final group. He finished tied for 14th.

Dustin Johnson holds off McIlroy to win WGC-Mexico Championship

World number one Dustin Johnson withdrew from the 81st Masters on Thursday, walking off the first tee due to a back injury.

The reigning US Open champion had been a heavy favorite in the year&#39;s first major golf championship after winning his three prior starts but suffered a lower back injury Wednesday in a fall down stairs at a rental house.

Johnson was seen walking back to the clubhouse shaking his head after undergoing a rigorous warm-up session before admitting defeat.

The 24-hour drama reached its emotional peak when Johnson arrived at the course and practiced his swings, hoping he could summon the strength to play through pain.

After a physical therapy session, Johnson tested his swing for several minutes under the watchful gaze of his caddie, brother Austin Johnson, and swing coach Butch Harmon, then returned for more therapy.

Johnson was to have joined two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and 2016 PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker in the day&#39;s final group.

Not since Rory McIlroy withdrew from the 2015 British Open has a world number one not played in a major championship.

The only other top-ranked player to miss the Masters was Tiger Woods, who did not play in 2014 after back surgery.

(AFP)

The world number one suffered a lower back injury Wednesday in a fall down stairs at a rental house

World number one Dustin Johnson withdrew from the 81st Masters on Thursday, walking off the first tee due to a back injury. The reigning US Open champion had been a heavy favorite in the year's first major golf championship after winning his three prior starts but suffered a lower back injury Wednesday in a fall down stairs at a rental house. Johnson was seen walking back to the clubhouse shaking his head after undergoing a rigorous warm-up session before admitting defeat. The 24-hour drama reached its emotional peak when Johnson arrived at the course and practiced his swings, hoping he could summon the strength to play through pain. After a physical therapy session, Johnson tested his swing for several minutes under the watchful gaze of his caddie, brother Austin Johnson, and swing coach Butch Harmon, then returned for more therapy. Johnson was to have joined two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and 2016 PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker in the day's final group. Not since Rory McIlroy withdrew from the 2015 British Open has a world number one not played in a major championship. The only other top-ranked player to miss the Masters was Tiger Woods, who did not play in 2014 after back surgery. (AFP)

Favourite Dustin Johnson withdraws from Masters

World number one Dustin Johnson could miss the Masters after injuring his lower back in a fall Wednesday on a staircase at a rented home.

The American star, who has not withdrawn from the year&#39;s first major championship starting Thursday, was&nbsp;the oddsmakers&#39; favorite after winning his past three starts.

&quot;Dustin Johnson&#39;s availability for The Masters is in jeopardy after the World&#39;s No. 1 golfer injured his lower back following a fall on a staircase,&quot; his agent David Winkle said.

&quot;At roughly 3:00 p.m. today, Dustin took a serious fall on a staircase in his Augusta rental home,&quot; he added.

Winkle said the US Open champion &quot;landed very hard on his lower back&quot; and was taking &nbsp;anti-inflammatory medication and using ice treatment in the hope of being able to play in the tournament.

Johnson is scheduled to tee off for his first round at 2:03 p.m. Thursday, the last tee time of the day.

Johnson is no stranger to freak accidents as he withdrew from The Masters in 2012 after his agent said he injured his back lifting a jet-ski.

(AFP)

World number one Dustin Johnson could miss the Masters after injuring his lower back in a fall Wednesday on a staircase at a rented home. The American star, who has not withdrawn from the year's first major championship starting Thursday, was the oddsmakers' favorite after winning his past three starts. "Dustin Johnson's availability for The Masters is in jeopardy after the World's No. 1 golfer injured his lower back following a fall on a staircase," his agent David Winkle said. "At roughly 3:00 p.m. today, Dustin took a serious fall on a staircase in his Augusta rental home," he added. Winkle said the US Open champion "landed very hard on his lower back" and was taking anti-inflammatory medication and using ice treatment in the hope of being able to play in the tournament. Johnson is scheduled to tee off for his first round at 2:03 p.m. Thursday, the last tee time of the day. Johnson is no stranger to freak accidents as he withdrew from The Masters in 2012 after his agent said he injured his back lifting a jet-ski. (AFP)

Favourite Dustin Johnson may miss Masters after falling down the stairs

Jimmy Walker shrugged off some recent struggles to shoot a five-under-par 65 and claim the first-round lead in the PGA Championship at a hot, steamy Baltusrol Golf Club on Thursday. 
 
Major winners were close behind.&nbsp;Lurking in striking range was world number one and defending champion Jason Day who, despite not setting foot on the course until Wednesday, patiently plotted his way through the 7,328-yard layout to shoot 68. 
 
British Open champion Henrik Stenson was even closer after a birdie at the par-five 18th for 67. 
 
Despite lively afternoon winds and the wear and tear on the greens for the later starters, twice major winner Martin Kaymer of Germany posted a 66 to join Argentina&#39;s Emiliano Grillo and Englishman Ross Fisher in a tie for second. 
 
Walker, who has missed four cuts in his last eight events including the US Open and British Open, found his form at the year&#39;s last major. 
 
&quot;I just haven&#39;t been scoring, I haven&#39;t been making the 15, 18-footers you need to make to start running up the leaderboard,&quot; said Walker who won three times in 2014 and twice last year, but has just three top-10s from 19 events this season. 
 
The 2014 US Ryder Cup player made good use of his putter on Thursday, making four birdies over his first nine after starting at 10, and gaining two more strokes at the first and seventh to take a one-shot lead. 
 
Fisher birdied the two closing par-fives for a big finish, while Grillo was boosted by back-to-back birdies from the 14th. 
 
Grillo, who won the Frys.com Open to start his season, said he gained confidence from his tie for 12th at this month&#39;s British Open. 
 
&quot;Playing well anywhere in the world, it helps your confidence,&quot; Grillo, 23, told reporters. &quot;Bringing that into this tournament, one of the biggest four on the planet, it&#39;s a big boost.&quot; 
 
Day&#39;s preparation was disrupted by a bug he caught from his children and an emergency trip to the hospital with his wife, who had a bad allergic reaction on Tuesday night.&nbsp;But the Australian showed no ill effects from his quick study of Baltusrol. 
 
&quot;I played good today. Drove it very nicely and hit a lot of good iron shots,&quot; Day said.&nbsp;&quot;To be able to go out there and hit it exactly where I&#39;m going and see the shot and what I need to do and actually execute it was exciting for me. Really positive stuff going into the next three rounds.&quot; 
 
Day&#39;s playing competitors Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson did not fare as well.&nbsp;Twice PGA winner McIlroy struggled with his putting and shot a four-over 74 without a single birdie. 
 
Mickelson revived 
 
Phil Mickelson, who won the 2005 PGA Championship at Baltusrol, was also four-over after a bogey on his 11th hole, but revived with three birdies in a five-hole stretch from his 12th to card a 71. 
 
&quot;To come out and hit shots like I hit those first 11 holes was very disappointing,&quot; said the American, who waged a sensational duel with Stenson at Royal Troon, shooting 65 in finishing runner-up at the Open. 
 
&quot;However, I&#39;m proud that I hung in there, fought and got three back coming in. If I go out tomorrow and just play a good round, I think I can shoot mid-60s and get back in it.&quot; 
 
Stenson&#39;s playing competitors, the season&#39;s other major winners had mixed results.&nbsp;Masters champion Danny Willett birdied the last for 71, while US Open winner Dustin Johnson stumbled to four bogeys and a pair of double bogeys in his 77.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

Jimmy Walker has won three times in 2014 and twice last year, but has just three top-10s from 19 events this season

Jimmy Walker shrugged off some recent struggles to shoot a five-under-par 65 and claim the first-round lead in the PGA Championship at a hot, steamy Baltusrol Golf Club on Thursday. Major winners were close behind. Lurking in striking range was world number one and defending champion Jason Day who, despite not setting foot on the course until Wednesday, patiently plotted his way through the 7,328-yard layout to shoot 68. British Open champion Henrik Stenson was even closer after a birdie at the par-five 18th for 67. Despite lively afternoon winds and the wear and tear on the greens for the later starters, twice major winner Martin Kaymer of Germany posted a 66 to join Argentina's Emiliano Grillo and Englishman Ross Fisher in a tie for second. Walker, who has missed four cuts in his last eight events including the US Open and British Open, found his form at the year's last major. "I just haven't been scoring, I haven't been making the 15, 18-footers you need to make to start running up the leaderboard," said Walker who won three times in 2014 and twice last year, but has just three top-10s from 19 events this season. The 2014 US Ryder Cup player made good use of his putter on Thursday, making four birdies over his first nine after starting at 10, and gaining two more strokes at the first and seventh to take a one-shot lead. Fisher birdied the two closing par-fives for a big finish, while Grillo was boosted by back-to-back birdies from the 14th. Grillo, who won the Frys.com Open to start his season, said he gained confidence from his tie for 12th at this month's British Open. "Playing well anywhere in the world, it helps your confidence," Grillo, 23, told reporters. "Bringing that into this tournament, one of the biggest four on the planet, it's a big boost." Day's preparation was disrupted by a bug he caught from his children and an emergency trip to the hospital with his wife, who had a bad allergic reaction on Tuesday night. But the Australian showed no ill effects from his quick study of Baltusrol. "I played good today. Drove it very nicely and hit a lot of good iron shots," Day said. "To be able to go out there and hit it exactly where I'm going and see the shot and what I need to do and actually execute it was exciting for me. Really positive stuff going into the next three rounds." Day's playing competitors Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson did not fare as well. Twice PGA winner McIlroy struggled with his putting and shot a four-over 74 without a single birdie. Mickelson revived Phil Mickelson, who won the 2005 PGA Championship at Baltusrol, was also four-over after a bogey on his 11th hole, but revived with three birdies in a five-hole stretch from his 12th to card a 71. "To come out and hit shots like I hit those first 11 holes was very disappointing," said the American, who waged a sensational duel with Stenson at Royal Troon, shooting 65 in finishing runner-up at the Open. "However, I'm proud that I hung in there, fought and got three back coming in. If I go out tomorrow and just play a good round, I think I can shoot mid-60s and get back in it." Stenson's playing competitors, the season's other major winners had mixed results. Masters champion Danny Willett birdied the last for 71, while US Open winner Dustin Johnson stumbled to four bogeys and a pair of double bogeys in his 77. (Reuters)

Walker sets first-round PGA pace with 65, Stenson two back

Severe thunderstorms drenched Baltusrol with heavy rain on Monday, cutting short the first practice session for the 98th PGA Championship and soaking greens that had been fast in afternoon heat. 
 
Sweltering heat greeted players in the early afternoon, but the day ended with standing water puddled across many areas of the course after thunder, lightning and downpours. 
 
PGA of America officials halted play at 4:38 pm (IST) and had spectators seek shelter, several dozen huddling in the massive souvenir tent until a break between storms allowed them a chance to leave. 
 
It was a signal that players could face a lot of extremes in this week&#39;s quest for the Wanamaker Trophy, with forecasts for hot conditions until storms are set to return for the weekend. 
 
World number one Jason Day of Australia will try to defend his first major title, which he won last year at Whistling Straits.&nbsp;&quot;I feel good about my game,&quot; Day said. &quot;I&#39;m hitting a lot of good shots and that has given me confidence. I should be good to go.&quot; 
 
Day was won seven titles in the past year and flirted with major success, sharing 10th at the Masters and eighth at the US Open.&nbsp;His mindset is less about repeating as champion, especially on a different course, than it is about achieving new feats.&nbsp;&quot;I never really look at it as defending,&quot; he said. &quot;I try to win it again. That&#39;s the mentality.&quot; 
 
World number two Dustin Johnson made his major breakthrough last month by winning the US Open at Oakmont.&nbsp;The American also won a WGC event at Firestone and shared ninth at the British Open, enough good finishes to bolster his confidence entering the final major tournament of the year. 
 
&quot;I think the game is in really good shape,&quot; Johnson said. &quot;Do a little practice on the putting in the next few days, but other than that, I`m really confident in the game right now. I feel like everything is going really well.&quot; 
 
Day will play the first two rounds alongside four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, the 2014 PGA Championship winner, and Phil Mickelson, the 46-year-old US left-hander who won the last PGA Championship played at Baltusrol in 2005. 
 
Mickelson battled British Open winner Henrik Stenson into the final holes before settling for second to the Swede at Royal Troon two weeks ago. 
 
Johnson will play on Thursday and Friday alongside Stenson and Masters champion Danny Willett of England in the annual threesome of the season&#39;s prior major winners. 
 
Each won his first major this year and none of them wants to see another first-timer take the trophy this week. 
 
(AFP)

World number one Jason Day of Australia will try to defend his first major title, which he won last year at Whistling Straits

Severe thunderstorms drenched Baltusrol with heavy rain on Monday, cutting short the first practice session for the 98th PGA Championship and soaking greens that had been fast in afternoon heat. Sweltering heat greeted players in the early afternoon, but the day ended with standing water puddled across many areas of the course after thunder, lightning and downpours. PGA of America officials halted play at 4:38 pm (IST) and had spectators seek shelter, several dozen huddling in the massive souvenir tent until a break between storms allowed them a chance to leave. It was a signal that players could face a lot of extremes in this week's quest for the Wanamaker Trophy, with forecasts for hot conditions until storms are set to return for the weekend. World number one Jason Day of Australia will try to defend his first major title, which he won last year at Whistling Straits. "I feel good about my game," Day said. "I'm hitting a lot of good shots and that has given me confidence. I should be good to go." Day was won seven titles in the past year and flirted with major success, sharing 10th at the Masters and eighth at the US Open. His mindset is less about repeating as champion, especially on a different course, than it is about achieving new feats. "I never really look at it as defending," he said. "I try to win it again. That's the mentality." World number two Dustin Johnson made his major breakthrough last month by winning the US Open at Oakmont. The American also won a WGC event at Firestone and shared ninth at the British Open, enough good finishes to bolster his confidence entering the final major tournament of the year. "I think the game is in really good shape," Johnson said. "Do a little practice on the putting in the next few days, but other than that, I`m really confident in the game right now. I feel like everything is going really well." Day will play the first two rounds alongside four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, the 2014 PGA Championship winner, and Phil Mickelson, the 46-year-old US left-hander who won the last PGA Championship played at Baltusrol in 2005. Mickelson battled British Open winner Henrik Stenson into the final holes before settling for second to the Swede at Royal Troon two weeks ago. Johnson will play on Thursday and Friday alongside Stenson and Masters champion Danny Willett of England in the annual threesome of the season's prior major winners. Each won his first major this year and none of them wants to see another first-timer take the trophy this week. (AFP)

Defending champion Day confident at storm-soaked PGA

Venezuela&#39;s Jhonattan Vegas started fast and finished strong on Sunday to seize a one-shot victory in the US PGA Tour&#39;s Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club near Toronto on Sunday. 
 
Vegas&#39;s eight-under par 64 included plenty of fireworks, starting with five straight birdies from the second through the sixth holes. 
He capped his round with a burst of three straight birdies, carding nine overall with one bogey for a 12-under par total of 276. 
 
&quot;I knew I had to get off to a fast start,&quot; said Vegas, who was five off the pace when play began. &quot;I know that I was in striking distance, but I had to get myself close to the lead early so the guys kind of know I was there.&nbsp;So I just kept pushing and kept firing at pins and kept really going right after it. I got a really good momentum, and obviously I was able to close it out with some birdies.&quot; 
 
Dustin Johnson, a co-leader after each of the first two rounds who was tied for second heading into Sunday, shot a final-round 69 and finished in a three-way tie for second on 277. 
 
He was joined by Spain&#39;s Jon Rahm, who closed with a bogey-free 67 that included a birdie on the final hole, and Scotland&#39;s Martin Laird, who also signed for a 67. 
 
Overnight leader Brandt Snedeker fired a one-under 71 that left him in a group on 278 alongside fellow Americans Ricky Barnes (68) and Steve Wheatcroft (69) and Germany&#39;s Alex Cejka (69). 
 
Australia&#39;s Geoff Ogilvy tied for the best round of the tournament, a 63, to surge from 44th place to a tie for ninth on 279. The group also included Canadian amateur Jared du Toit, who carded a 71.&nbsp;World number one and defending champion Jason Day of Australia closed with a 67 to finish tied for 14th on 281. 
 
Vegas, 29, earned his second PGA Tour win more than five years after capturing his first at the 2011 Bob Hope Classic.&nbsp;Sunday&#39;s victory gives him a two-year Tour exemption as well as berths in the PGA Championship next week at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey and in next year&#39;s Masters at Augusta National. 
 
(AFP)

Jhonattan Vegas earned his second PGA Tour win more than five years after capturing his first at the 2011 Bob Hope Classic

Venezuela's Jhonattan Vegas started fast and finished strong on Sunday to seize a one-shot victory in the US PGA Tour's Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club near Toronto on Sunday. Vegas's eight-under par 64 included plenty of fireworks, starting with five straight birdies from the second through the sixth holes. He capped his round with a burst of three straight birdies, carding nine overall with one bogey for a 12-under par total of 276. "I knew I had to get off to a fast start," said Vegas, who was five off the pace when play began. "I know that I was in striking distance, but I had to get myself close to the lead early so the guys kind of know I was there. So I just kept pushing and kept firing at pins and kept really going right after it. I got a really good momentum, and obviously I was able to close it out with some birdies." Dustin Johnson, a co-leader after each of the first two rounds who was tied for second heading into Sunday, shot a final-round 69 and finished in a three-way tie for second on 277. He was joined by Spain's Jon Rahm, who closed with a bogey-free 67 that included a birdie on the final hole, and Scotland's Martin Laird, who also signed for a 67. Overnight leader Brandt Snedeker fired a one-under 71 that left him in a group on 278 alongside fellow Americans Ricky Barnes (68) and Steve Wheatcroft (69) and Germany's Alex Cejka (69). Australia's Geoff Ogilvy tied for the best round of the tournament, a 63, to surge from 44th place to a tie for ninth on 279. The group also included Canadian amateur Jared du Toit, who carded a 71. World number one and defending champion Jason Day of Australia closed with a 67 to finish tied for 14th on 281. Vegas, 29, earned his second PGA Tour win more than five years after capturing his first at the 2011 Bob Hope Classic. Sunday's victory gives him a two-year Tour exemption as well as berths in the PGA Championship next week at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey and in next year's Masters at Augusta National. (AFP)

Vegas powers to Canadian Open victory

World number two Dustin Johnson eagled the final hole to earn a share of the lead with fellow American Luke List after the first round at the RBC Canadian Open on Thursday. 
 
Johnson sank a 12-foot putt at the par-five 18th to cap a roller-coaster afternoon round that also included seven birdies, a bogey and double-bogey at sun-baked Glen Abbey Golf Club outside Toronto.&nbsp;Defending champion Jason Day was also rewarded for his aggressive approach with a 69.&nbsp;Day used his driver liberally and collected four birdies, along with a chip-in eagle. 
 
Leaders Johnson and List headed fellow Americans Kelly Kraft and Chesson Hadley, Spain&#39;s Jon Rahm and Canadian amateur Jared du Toit by one shot.&nbsp;List, ranked 309th in the world, compiled his six birdies with a minimum of fuss, picking up a stroke at each of the four par-five holes.&nbsp; 
 
Du Toit, meanwhile, found himself in lofty company after a round that included an unlikely eagle from 154 yards from a fairway bunker at the par-four 17th.&nbsp;The 21-year-old from British Columbia is currently a college golfer at Arizona State, and would be the first Canadian to win his national open since 1954. 
 
(Reuters)

Defending champion Jason Day was also rewarded for his aggressive approach with a 69

World number two Dustin Johnson eagled the final hole to earn a share of the lead with fellow American Luke List after the first round at the RBC Canadian Open on Thursday. Johnson sank a 12-foot putt at the par-five 18th to cap a roller-coaster afternoon round that also included seven birdies, a bogey and double-bogey at sun-baked Glen Abbey Golf Club outside Toronto. Defending champion Jason Day was also rewarded for his aggressive approach with a 69. Day used his driver liberally and collected four birdies, along with a chip-in eagle. Leaders Johnson and List headed fellow Americans Kelly Kraft and Chesson Hadley, Spain's Jon Rahm and Canadian amateur Jared du Toit by one shot. List, ranked 309th in the world, compiled his six birdies with a minimum of fuss, picking up a stroke at each of the four par-five holes. Du Toit, meanwhile, found himself in lofty company after a round that included an unlikely eagle from 154 yards from a fairway bunker at the par-four 17th. The 21-year-old from British Columbia is currently a college golfer at Arizona State, and would be the first Canadian to win his national open since 1954. (Reuters)

Dustin Johnson fires opening round 66 to share lead in Canadian Open

Treacherous and unfamiliar challenges lie in wait as the British Open returns to Royal Troon this week, and Rory McIlroy returns to the hunt for the Claret Jug. 
 
McIlroy, who leads a host of the sport&#39;s biggest names to have withdrawn in controversial circumstances from next month&#39;s Rio Olympics, is bidding to win his fifth major and second Open after his victory at Hoylake in 2014.&nbsp; 
 
Twelve months ago McIlroy was missing from the field in St Andrews after suffering an ankle injury while playing football, but he will tee off on Thursday morning in the same group as Bubba Watson and Japan&#39;s Hideki Matsuyama. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m excited to be back and to a golf course that I&#39;ve never played before,&quot; the Northern Irishman, number four in the world, told reporters on Tuesday.&nbsp;&quot;I don&#39;t really have any experience here at Troon, so it was good to get a couple of good looks at it last week, and then I just played another 18 holes this morning.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Troon is where Tiger Woods first played in the Open as a professional in 1997. The ailing 14-time major winner is not in this year&#39;s field and instead the focus is on the current &#39;Big Four&#39; of McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and recent US Open winner Dustin Johnson.&nbsp; 
 
They have all withdrawn from the Rio Games amid much-publicised fears about the Zika virus, with Spieth pulling out at the last minute on Monday. 
 
The 22-year-old Texan will be relieved to be able to focus on the Open now after being hit with a barrage of questions about the Olympics on Tuesday.&nbsp;He is targeting the Claret Jug and a third major title having won the Masters and US Open last year.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;This is a very, very special tournament; everybody knows that.&nbsp;I crave to have that trophy in my possession at some point, and to reach a third leg of the Grand Slam this week would be a fantastic achievement and a life-long goal of mine,&quot; said Spieth, who is not in the best of form but has history on his, or at least his country&#39;s, side. 
 
The Open has been played at Troon eight times, with the last six winners all American, most recently Todd Hamilton in 2004. In 1997 the winner was Justin Leonard, a Texan just like Spieth. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t think it impacts you, but I think it&#39;s very cool to walk through the clubhouse halls to see that,&quot; said Spieth of Troon`s history. 
 
Dustin Johnson may be the favourite and Day the world number one, but all of the sport&#39;s leading players must beware the potential pitfalls in store.&nbsp;Troon is home to one of golf&#39;s most iconic and deeply unpredictable holes, the 123-yard par-three eighth known as the Postage Stamp.&nbsp;Here is where German amateur Herman Tissies took 15 in 1950 but also where a 71-year-old Gene Sarazen had a hole-in-one in 1973. 
 
&quot;I think I took an eight or a nine, so that didn&#39;t go too well,&quot; McIlroy said of his efforts in practice.&nbsp;&quot;If you make four threes there this week, you&#39;re probably going to gain a bit of ground on the field.&quot; 
 
Then there is the 11th, a 482-yard par-four with the Glasgow to Ayr railway line immediately over a four-foot high stone wall to the right side. Jack Nicklaus took 10 here in 1962. 
 
&quot;They&#39;re both incredibly difficult, yeah,&quot; acknowledged England&#39;s Justin Rose of the two holes. 
 
With this being the first Open at Troon since 2004, the younger stars of modern golf are unfamiliar with the course, but one man who knows it all too well is Colin Montgomerie.&nbsp;This is the veteran Scot&#39;s home-town Open, and his 86-year-old father will become club president next week. 
&nbsp; 
Montgomerie came through qualifying and will hit the championship&#39;s first tee shot at 6:35 am local time (0535 GMT) on Thursday as he goes out with Luke Donald and Australia&#39;s Marc Leishman. 
&nbsp; 
The latter was involved in a three-way play-off in St Andrews last year that was won by the American Zach Johnson. It was played out in gloomy conditions on the Monday after wind and rain delayed the finish. 
 
The hope is for calmer weather this year, although Friday is expected to be particularly wet and the wind coming in from the Firth of Clyde is bound to make life difficult. 
 
&quot;If you get it breezy, like in any Open venue, this place really shows its teeth. I think it&#39;s a fantastic Open venue and a fantastic test of golf,&quot; acknowledged the current Masters champion Danny Willett. 
 
(AFP)

Rory McIlroy is targeting the Claret Jug and a third major title, having won the Masters and US Open last year

Treacherous and unfamiliar challenges lie in wait as the British Open returns to Royal Troon this week, and Rory McIlroy returns to the hunt for the Claret Jug. McIlroy, who leads a host of the sport's biggest names to have withdrawn in controversial circumstances from next month's Rio Olympics, is bidding to win his fifth major and second Open after his victory at Hoylake in 2014. Twelve months ago McIlroy was missing from the field in St Andrews after suffering an ankle injury while playing football, but he will tee off on Thursday morning in the same group as Bubba Watson and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama. "I'm excited to be back and to a golf course that I've never played before," the Northern Irishman, number four in the world, told reporters on Tuesday. "I don't really have any experience here at Troon, so it was good to get a couple of good looks at it last week, and then I just played another 18 holes this morning." Troon is where Tiger Woods first played in the Open as a professional in 1997. The ailing 14-time major winner is not in this year's field and instead the focus is on the current 'Big Four' of McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and recent US Open winner Dustin Johnson. They have all withdrawn from the Rio Games amid much-publicised fears about the Zika virus, with Spieth pulling out at the last minute on Monday. The 22-year-old Texan will be relieved to be able to focus on the Open now after being hit with a barrage of questions about the Olympics on Tuesday. He is targeting the Claret Jug and a third major title having won the Masters and US Open last year. "This is a very, very special tournament; everybody knows that. I crave to have that trophy in my possession at some point, and to reach a third leg of the Grand Slam this week would be a fantastic achievement and a life-long goal of mine," said Spieth, who is not in the best of form but has history on his, or at least his country's, side. The Open has been played at Troon eight times, with the last six winners all American, most recently Todd Hamilton in 2004. In 1997 the winner was Justin Leonard, a Texan just like Spieth. "I don't think it impacts you, but I think it's very cool to walk through the clubhouse halls to see that," said Spieth of Troon`s history. Dustin Johnson may be the favourite and Day the world number one, but all of the sport's leading players must beware the potential pitfalls in store. Troon is home to one of golf's most iconic and deeply unpredictable holes, the 123-yard par-three eighth known as the Postage Stamp. Here is where German amateur Herman Tissies took 15 in 1950 but also where a 71-year-old Gene Sarazen had a hole-in-one in 1973. "I think I took an eight or a nine, so that didn't go too well," McIlroy said of his efforts in practice. "If you make four threes there this week, you're probably going to gain a bit of ground on the field." Then there is the 11th, a 482-yard par-four with the Glasgow to Ayr railway line immediately over a four-foot high stone wall to the right side. Jack Nicklaus took 10 here in 1962. "They're both incredibly difficult, yeah," acknowledged England's Justin Rose of the two holes. With this being the first Open at Troon since 2004, the younger stars of modern golf are unfamiliar with the course, but one man who knows it all too well is Colin Montgomerie. This is the veteran Scot's home-town Open, and his 86-year-old father will become club president next week. Montgomerie came through qualifying and will hit the championship's first tee shot at 6:35 am local time (0535 GMT) on Thursday as he goes out with Luke Donald and Australia's Marc Leishman. The latter was involved in a three-way play-off in St Andrews last year that was won by the American Zach Johnson. It was played out in gloomy conditions on the Monday after wind and rain delayed the finish. The hope is for calmer weather this year, although Friday is expected to be particularly wet and the wind coming in from the Firth of Clyde is bound to make life difficult. "If you get it breezy, like in any Open venue, this place really shows its teeth. I think it's a fantastic Open venue and a fantastic test of golf," acknowledged the current Masters champion Danny Willett. (AFP)

Mcllroy of the 'Big Four' braces for Troon test in British Open

World number two Dustin Johnson, who won his first major title at the US Open Golf Championship in June, won&#39;t play in the Rio Olympics because of concerns over the Zika virus. 
 
In a statement released to the Golf Channel on Friday by his agent, David Winkle of Hambric Sports Management, Johnson said his hopes of expanding his family with fiancee Paulina Gretzky meant it would be &quot;irresponsible&quot; to risk contracting the mosquito-borne virus that has been linked to birth defects. 
 
&quot;As an athlete, I can think of no greater honour than representing the United States in the Olympic Games,&quot; Johnson&#39;s statement said. &quot;However, after much careful consideration and discussion with both my family and my team, I have made the decision to withdraw from the 2016 Olympic Games. 
 
&quot;This was not an easy decision for me, but my concerns about the Zika Virus cannot be ignored,&quot; added Johnson, who has a one-year-old son, Tatum. 
 
&quot;Paulina and I plan to have more children in the near future, and I feel it would be irresponsible to put myself, her or our family at risk. I believe I am making the right decision for me and most importantly, my family.&quot; 
 
Johnson joined an exodus of top golfers from the Games which has taken the sheen off the sport&#39;s return to the Olympics after a 112-year absence. 
 
World number one Jason Day, Northern Ireland&#39;s Rory McIlroy, Australian Adam Scott and Japan&#39;s 17th-ranked Hideki Matsuyma have all mentioned Zika as a consideration in opting out of Rio. 
 
Johnson, who indicated last week that he expected to play in Rio, is the first eligible US golfer to pull out, but he might not be the last. 
Former world number one Jordan Spieth has also voiced interest in playing but has yet to confirm that he will. 
 
(AFP)

The world number two had said he expected to play in Rio. Now he's the first eligible US golfer to pull out, but might not be the last

World number two Dustin Johnson, who won his first major title at the US Open Golf Championship in June, won't play in the Rio Olympics because of concerns over the Zika virus. In a statement released to the Golf Channel on Friday by his agent, David Winkle of Hambric Sports Management, Johnson said his hopes of expanding his family with fiancee Paulina Gretzky meant it would be "irresponsible" to risk contracting the mosquito-borne virus that has been linked to birth defects. "As an athlete, I can think of no greater honour than representing the United States in the Olympic Games," Johnson's statement said. "However, after much careful consideration and discussion with both my family and my team, I have made the decision to withdraw from the 2016 Olympic Games. "This was not an easy decision for me, but my concerns about the Zika Virus cannot be ignored," added Johnson, who has a one-year-old son, Tatum. "Paulina and I plan to have more children in the near future, and I feel it would be irresponsible to put myself, her or our family at risk. I believe I am making the right decision for me and most importantly, my family." Johnson joined an exodus of top golfers from the Games which has taken the sheen off the sport's return to the Olympics after a 112-year absence. World number one Jason Day, Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, Australian Adam Scott and Japan's 17th-ranked Hideki Matsuyma have all mentioned Zika as a consideration in opting out of Rio. Johnson, who indicated last week that he expected to play in Rio, is the first eligible US golfer to pull out, but he might not be the last. Former world number one Jordan Spieth has also voiced interest in playing but has yet to confirm that he will. (AFP)

Dustin Johnson pulls out of Olympics over Zika concerns

Long-hitting American Dustin Johnson, seeking major redemption after several near-misses in recent years, won the 116th US Open on Sunday amid high drama and initial uncertainty over his victory margin. 
 
In pursuit of his first grand slam crown, the world number six played clutch golf under intense pressure at the brutally difficult Oakmont Country Club, finishing in style as he sank a short birdie putt at the last. 
 
Having negotiated the final seven holes under notice that he might be penalised for a rules infraction on the fifth green, despite being cleared by another official at the time, he was docked a shot after the round&#39;s completion, with his score amended to a closing 69 for a four-under winning total of 276. 
 
After sinking the final putt to clinch his 10th PGA Tour victory, Johnson pumped his right fist in delight, and then lifted his putter to acknowledge the loud roars from the crowd before being embraced by his caddie. 
 
&quot;Feels good, feels really good, feels well deserved,&quot; an emotional Johnson said after finishing three shots in front of fellow Americans Jim Furyk (66) and Scott Piercy (69), and Ireland&#39;s Shane Lowry (76). 
 
Lowry had been four ahead after the weather-delayed third round was completed earlier on Sunday but he struggled in the conditions, piling up seven bogeys. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve had a lot of opportunities that I didn&#39;t quite get done, so this one&#39;s definitely really sweet,&quot; said Johnson. &quot;I knew I was swinging well, and I just kept thinking, it&#39;s just me and the course. I&#39;m playing against the course. I can&#39;t control what anyone else does. So I just tried to hit golf shots, tried to hit it on the correct side of the hole, and two-putt.&quot; 
 
The rules controversy was sparked when Johnson&#39;s ball moved slightly as the American was preparing to attempt his par putt at the fifth hole. This happened shortly after his birdie attempt from five feet broke left and slid past the cup. 
 
He denied having caused the movement and the official accompanying the pairing decided not to levy a penalty. 
 
After being informed on the 12th tee by a U.S. Golf Association official that he might be penalised after the round, Johnson ran up a three-putt bogey at the 14th but otherwise displayed nerves of steel as he negotiated the closing stretch. 
 
He rolled in a 10-footer to save par at the 16th and thunderous roars of &quot;DJ, DJ, DJ&quot; rang out as the crowd gave vocal support to the tournament leader in his bid for a first major victory. 
 
Johnson had previously recorded 11 top-10s in the majors without winning, including two-runner-up spots, and he missed a three-foot putt at the final hole to hand last year&#39;s U.S. Open at Chambers Bay to Jordan Spieth. 
 
On Sunday, however, Johnson was remarkably composed in the circumstances and made several clutch putts on a day when the entire field struggled on greens running lightning-fast. 
 
&quot;After last year, to come back and perform like this, I think it shows what kind of golfer I am,&quot; said the 31-year-old. &quot;I&#39;ve knocked on the door a bunch of times. To finally get that major win, it&#39;s huge.&quot; 
 
American world number two Spieth finished a disappointing title defence with a 75 for a nine-over total of 289. 
(Reuters)

He was first cleared, then docked a shot for a rules infraction

Long-hitting American Dustin Johnson, seeking major redemption after several near-misses in recent years, won the 116th US Open on Sunday amid high drama and initial uncertainty over his victory margin. In pursuit of his first grand slam crown, the world number six played clutch golf under intense pressure at the brutally difficult Oakmont Country Club, finishing in style as he sank a short birdie putt at the last. Having negotiated the final seven holes under notice that he might be penalised for a rules infraction on the fifth green, despite being cleared by another official at the time, he was docked a shot after the round's completion, with his score amended to a closing 69 for a four-under winning total of 276. After sinking the final putt to clinch his 10th PGA Tour victory, Johnson pumped his right fist in delight, and then lifted his putter to acknowledge the loud roars from the crowd before being embraced by his caddie. "Feels good, feels really good, feels well deserved," an emotional Johnson said after finishing three shots in front of fellow Americans Jim Furyk (66) and Scott Piercy (69), and Ireland's Shane Lowry (76). Lowry had been four ahead after the weather-delayed third round was completed earlier on Sunday but he struggled in the conditions, piling up seven bogeys. "I've had a lot of opportunities that I didn't quite get done, so this one's definitely really sweet," said Johnson. "I knew I was swinging well, and I just kept thinking, it's just me and the course. I'm playing against the course. I can't control what anyone else does. So I just tried to hit golf shots, tried to hit it on the correct side of the hole, and two-putt." The rules controversy was sparked when Johnson's ball moved slightly as the American was preparing to attempt his par putt at the fifth hole. This happened shortly after his birdie attempt from five feet broke left and slid past the cup. He denied having caused the movement and the official accompanying the pairing decided not to levy a penalty. After being informed on the 12th tee by a U.S. Golf Association official that he might be penalised after the round, Johnson ran up a three-putt bogey at the 14th but otherwise displayed nerves of steel as he negotiated the closing stretch. He rolled in a 10-footer to save par at the 16th and thunderous roars of "DJ, DJ, DJ" rang out as the crowd gave vocal support to the tournament leader in his bid for a first major victory. Johnson had previously recorded 11 top-10s in the majors without winning, including two-runner-up spots, and he missed a three-foot putt at the final hole to hand last year's U.S. Open at Chambers Bay to Jordan Spieth. On Sunday, however, Johnson was remarkably composed in the circumstances and made several clutch putts on a day when the entire field struggled on greens running lightning-fast. "After last year, to come back and perform like this, I think it shows what kind of golfer I am," said the 31-year-old. "I've knocked on the door a bunch of times. To finally get that major win, it's huge." American world number two Spieth finished a disappointing title defence with a 75 for a nine-over total of 289. (Reuters)

Dustin Johnson wins US Open, amidst high drama and some confusion

Irishman Shane Lowry held a two-shot lead after 14 holes when third-round play was suspended for the day in fading light at the weather-hit US Open after a long Saturday at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. 
 
Lowry, showing steely nerves on a challenging layout running fast and firm, mixed five birdies with two bogeys to get to five-under for the tournament before the horn sounded to halt the action just before nine pm local time. 
 
&quot;My game is good, I feel very comfortable out there,&quot; said Lowry, who moved two strokes clear after hitting a superb wedge to within three feet at the par-five 12th and knocking in the birdie putt. &quot;Quite happy that we didn&#39;t have another four holes to play. It&#39;s been a long day. This is right where you want to be (in the lead).&quot; 
 
&quot;I&#39;m really looking forward to tomorrow,&quot; said the 29-year-old from Clara in County Offaly, who won the biggest title of his career at the 2015 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. 
 
PGA Tour rookie Andrew Landry, the surprise first-round leader, was at three-under after 13 holes, with American Dustin Johnson, after 13, England&#39;s Lee Westwood, after 15, and Spaniard Sergio Garcia, after 14, a further stroke back. 
 
Johnson, who missed a three-foot putt at the final hole to hand last year&#39;s U.S. Open to Jordan Spieth, had been one ahead after the delayed second round ended earlier on Saturday, but fell short of replicating his form from the first 36 holes. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s this golf course,&quot; nine-times PGA Tour winner Johnson said after recording two birdies, two bogeys and a double at the par-four third. &quot;It&#39;s tough to make putts on it. I&#39;m still feeling good about where I&#39;m at. A lot of golf to go. Golf swing feels good, so I&#39;m happy with where I&#39;m at.&quot; 
 
South African Branden Grace was the leader in the clubhouse at one-under 209 after firing 66 to surge into contention for the year&#39;s second major championship. 
 
&quot;The guys up there (at the top) are playing some great golf,&quot; Grace said after sinking a 15-foot birdie putt at the par-four last. &quot;I stayed patient the whole day ... but when I had the chances, I took them. It was a bonus finishing the way I did.&quot; 
 
Just two strokes behind Grace was the ominous figure of Australian world number one Jason Day, who made an explosive start with four birdies in his first five holes on the way to a matching 66 that included an eagle at the par-five fourth, his 13th hole. 
 
&quot;Shoot anything under par here, you&#39;re definitely moving up a lot,&quot; said Day, the game&#39;s hottest player over the past 12 months with seven tournament wins, including last year&#39;s PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. 
 
American world number two Spieth also made an early move up the leaderboard with three consecutive birdies in his first four holes, but faded to shoot 70 and fall nine strokes behind Lowry. 
 
The 25 players who did not complete the third round will resume at 7 am local time on Sunday, before the regulation 72 holes are completed by the end of the day. 
(Reuters)

PGA tour rookie Andrew Landry is second on the leaderboard

Irishman Shane Lowry held a two-shot lead after 14 holes when third-round play was suspended for the day in fading light at the weather-hit US Open after a long Saturday at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. Lowry, showing steely nerves on a challenging layout running fast and firm, mixed five birdies with two bogeys to get to five-under for the tournament before the horn sounded to halt the action just before nine pm local time. "My game is good, I feel very comfortable out there," said Lowry, who moved two strokes clear after hitting a superb wedge to within three feet at the par-five 12th and knocking in the birdie putt. "Quite happy that we didn't have another four holes to play. It's been a long day. This is right where you want to be (in the lead)." "I'm really looking forward to tomorrow," said the 29-year-old from Clara in County Offaly, who won the biggest title of his career at the 2015 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. PGA Tour rookie Andrew Landry, the surprise first-round leader, was at three-under after 13 holes, with American Dustin Johnson, after 13, England's Lee Westwood, after 15, and Spaniard Sergio Garcia, after 14, a further stroke back. Johnson, who missed a three-foot putt at the final hole to hand last year's U.S. Open to Jordan Spieth, had been one ahead after the delayed second round ended earlier on Saturday, but fell short of replicating his form from the first 36 holes. "It's this golf course," nine-times PGA Tour winner Johnson said after recording two birdies, two bogeys and a double at the par-four third. "It's tough to make putts on it. I'm still feeling good about where I'm at. A lot of golf to go. Golf swing feels good, so I'm happy with where I'm at." South African Branden Grace was the leader in the clubhouse at one-under 209 after firing 66 to surge into contention for the year's second major championship. "The guys up there (at the top) are playing some great golf," Grace said after sinking a 15-foot birdie putt at the par-four last. "I stayed patient the whole day ... but when I had the chances, I took them. It was a bonus finishing the way I did." Just two strokes behind Grace was the ominous figure of Australian world number one Jason Day, who made an explosive start with four birdies in his first five holes on the way to a matching 66 that included an eagle at the par-five fourth, his 13th hole. "Shoot anything under par here, you're definitely moving up a lot," said Day, the game's hottest player over the past 12 months with seven tournament wins, including last year's PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. American world number two Spieth also made an early move up the leaderboard with three consecutive birdies in his first four holes, but faded to shoot 70 and fall nine strokes behind Lowry. The 25 players who did not complete the third round will resume at 7 am local time on Sunday, before the regulation 72 holes are completed by the end of the day. (Reuters)

Shane Lowry leads US Open by two after marathon day

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