Johnson’s rule
Breakthrough victor defuses penalty fuss
OAKMONT, Pennsylvania—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 No. 6 played clutch golf under intense pressure at 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 penalized 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 roar from the crowd. “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 rain-delayed third round was completed earlier on Sunday but he struggled in the conditions and piled up seven bogeys. “I’ve had a lot of opportunities that I didn’t quite get done, so this one’s really sweet,” said Johnson. “I just kept thinking, it’s just me and the course.”
The rules controversy was sparked when Johnson’s ball moved slightly as he was preparing to attempt his par putt on the fifth hole. He denied having caused the movement and a rules official decided not to levy a penalty.
After being informed on the 12th tee by a US Golf Association official that he might be penalized after the round, Johnson ran up a three-putt bogey on the 14th but otherwise displayed nerves of steel as he tackled the closing stretch.
He rolled in a 10-footer to save par on 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 after a series of heartbreaks in the past.
Johnson had previously recorded 11 top-10s in the majors without winning, including two runner-up spots, and he missed a three-foot putt on the final hole to hand last year’s US Open at Chambers Bay to Jordan Spieth.
World No. 2 Spieth finished a disappointing title defense with a 75 for a nine-over total of 289.