Johnson gains 20th title with runaway win
MEXICO CITY: Dustin Johnson collected his 20th PGA Tour victory in some style yesterday when he ran away with the WGCMexico Championship by five strokes to move to No 2 in the world.
Johnson carded a closing 5under 66 at Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City to claim the event for the second time in three years.
The lanky American finished at 21under 263, while Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy shot 67 for second place on 16under.
Johnson has won at least once every year since he joined the PGA Tour in 2008. Only Tiger Woods with 80 and Phil Mickelson on 44 have won more often among players aged under 50.
‘‘To get 20 wins out here is very difficult and to do it before I turn 35 is pretty incredible,’’ the 34yearold said in a greenside interview.
‘‘It’s tough enough to get one win out here. To win every year I’ve been on tour [has] been a lot of hard work and it’s paying off right now.
‘‘This is a big win for me and it gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the year.’’
McIlroy cut the margin to two shots after three holes but could get no closer. His six backnine birdies were too little, too late.
Johnson finished 10 strokes clear of thirdplaced Englishmen Paul Casey and Ian Poulter plus Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat.
New Zealander Ryan Fox, a late callup to the tournament, fired a 76 yesterday for a 72hole total of 295. — Reuters