OAKMONT, PA—One of the most exciting and storied weekends in golf centers around Father’s Day in June. The United States Open Championship of Golf just wrapped up its 116th installment, making it one of the most treasured trophies in all of sports.
American golfer Dustin Johnson has had some agonizing defeats, including a runner-up finish at last year’s U.S. Open. The 2016 tournament would fair much better for him.
He came into the final round on Sunday four shots behind then leader Shane Lowry. Johnson put together a masterful 1-under 69 on Sunday when the rest of field struggled to shoot under par.
“I knew I was swinging well, and I just kept thinking, it’s just me and the course. I’m playing against the course. I can’t control what anyone else does,” Johnson said after the victory, and reported by USA Today sports. “Couldn’t be more proud of myself, especially with what happened on the 18th hole last year,” he added.
His reference to last year at Chambers Bay was a 12-foot putt on 18 to win the tournament. Instead, he 3-putted and lost by one.
“To get it done in a major after I’ve been close so many times, it’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Johnson.
He won the tournament by 3-strokes after the USGA assessed him with a 1-stoke penalty for a “violation” on the 5th hole. The ruling did not come until after he finished his round but luckily did not affect the outcome as he had built a commanding lead.
Shane Lowry, Jim Furyk, and Scott Piercy all finished in second place shooting 1-under for the tournament.
The U.S. Open schedules its final round to always finish on Father’s Day, weather permitting, which always makes it an even more memorable victory for the players.
Johnson, who is a new father, said after the win, “It means the world. It’s Father’s Day. My birthday’s in a couple days. Couldn’t have come at a better time.”
The players now set their sights to the British Open taking place at Royal Troon Golf Club July 14-17, in Ayrshire, Scotland.
Dustin Johnson Captures First Major, Wins U.S. Open was originally published on San Francisco News
