Johnson, Spieth set for another showdown

NORTON, MASS. • Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth shook hands on the 18th green and then traded text messages later in the night after providing high drama and plenty of star power in the opening FedEx Cup event.

Spieth said he texted him: “Man, congrats. That was a good battle. Let’s do it again next week.” Johnson’s reply: “Absolutely. I had a good time. That was my turn.”

For the opening act of this lucrative FedEx Cup series that leads to a US$10 million prize, the PGA Tour couldn’t have asked for much more. Johnson is the No. 1 player in the world. Judging by the slight spike in television ratings, Spieth is becoming among the most popular.

The Dell Technologies Championship has a tough act to follow.

The second playoff event starts Friday on the TPC Boston because of the traditional Labour Day finish. Johnson, Spieth and Justin Thomas will be in the same group for the opening two rounds because of their standing in the FedEx Cup. And it just so happens they are the three leading candidates for PGA Tour player of the year.

There remains a long road ahead before the deciding of a FedEx Cup champion and player of the year.

Johnson’s playoff victory over Spieth in the Northern Trust was his first since March, and now he’s looking for more.

All four? No one has ever won more than two playoff events in a year.

“You can’t win them all if you don’t win the first one, right?” Johnson said. “Yeah, it’s definitely possible. Is it going to happen? I have no idea. I’d love to say, ‘Yeah, I’m going to win all four.’ But the odds are not in my favour.”