Johnson on top of world after victory
MEMPHIS: Dustin Johnson warmed up for the US Open by reclaiming the world No.1 ranking on Sunday, cruising to a six-shot victory at the St Jude Classic.
Johnson, who started the day alongside Andrew Putnam at the top of the leaderboard, held his nerve to close with a fourunder-par 66 at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee.
The 33-year-old sealed his win in emphatic style, holing out for a sensational eagle two on the 18th to roars from the gallery.
Johnson finished the tournament with a 19-under-par 261 total.
“What a cool way to end the day to hole that shot on 18,” Johnson said.
“A lot of good things happened this week. I knew coming in this week I was swinging really well and I had confidence in my game.”
Putnam’s challenge wilted after a disastrous double-bogey on the par-four first which left Johnson with sole possession of the lead. With the win, Johnson will be the top-ranked player at this week’s US Open at Shinnecock Hills, New York.
Johnson had ceded his No.1 spot to Justin Thomas last month following a 64-week reign at the top of the standings.
Sunday’s victory was the 18th PGA Tour win of Johnson’s career, and his first since a triumph at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii in January.
“It was nice to be back in the hunt, to get the lead and to get the juices flowing a little bit,” Johnson said. “It feels like it’s been a long time [since my last win], even though it’s only been six months.”
Johnson admitted he couldn’t be happier with his form as he aims to claim a second US Open after his victory at Oakmont in 2016.
“I have high expectations going in every week,” Johnson said. “But I feel like my game’s in good shape.
“I’m driving really well. I’m hitting my irons well, and my wedges are really good. I’m really looking forward to it.
“I haven’t seen the golf course yet but I’ll go there tomorrow and get 18 holes in and we’ll see.”
LEADING FINAL ROUND SCORES
(Par-70, USA unless noted)
261 — Dustin Johnson 67-63-65-66
267 — Andrew Putnam 67-64-64-72
271 — JB Holmes 69-67-68-67
272 — Stewart Cink 68-68-64-72, Richy Werenski 68-67-66-71