Dustin Johnson leaves no doubt with stunning birdie to close U.S. Open
With a potential penalty looming over him since he stepped on the tee of the 12th hole, Dustin Johnson ensured he wouldn't be stripped of his first major championship by drilling a number of clutch par putts and capping his final round at Oakmont with one of the best birdies of the day.
Fans erupt after a huge par save from Dustin Johnson on No. 16. #USOpen https://t.co/H9DbSgv4k5
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 19, 2016
Standing on the 18th tee with a three shot lead on the field, Johnson blasted a 303-yard drive into the fairway, then stuck an iron to five feet just a few seconds after a beeping camera made him back off.
"Shot of his life." #USOpen https://t.co/tuQqgun5d1
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 20, 2016
Johnson celebrated on the 18th green with Paulina Gretzky and their son Tatum, then was informed that he would indeed be assessed a one-stroke penalty after his ball moved on the fifth green.
The penalty reduced Johnson's margin of victory to three shots, but the way he overcame adversity to win earned him countless new fans and the admiration of his peers.
That was an incredible display of golf @DJohnsonPGA. Absolute stripe show and short game exhibition considering all distractions. Well done!
— Smylie Kaufman (@SmylieKaufman10) June 20, 2016
Just a matter of time before he won one! Congrats @DJohnsonPGA!!! You deserved it! https://t.co/wiy1O3wD6p
— Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) June 20, 2016
Gutted for @ShaneLowryGolf but has a couple of Majors in him. Congrats to @DJohnsonPGA. Simply the most talented athlete ever to play golf.
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) June 20, 2016
