Dustin Johnson clinches US Open title

Anand Datla

June 20, 2016: Dustin Johnson knocked the monkey off his back, playing with enormous fortitude through a tense final round at the Oakmont Country Club. Johnson has been inside the top ten in seven of his last eight major appearances, finally winning his first with a composed 69. Johnson became only the fifth man to win the US Open the year after finishing runner-up. Bob Jones did it thrice (1922-23; 1925-26; 1929-30), while Jack Nicklaus (1971-72), Payne Stewart (1998-99) and Tiger Woods (2007-08) are the other three men.

Victory for Johnson did not come without incident. Johnson was assessed a one shot penalty for causing the ball to move, just before he made the final putt at the fifth hole. The USGA informed DJ of a likely penalty at the twelfth hole, leaving him with the onerous task of dealing with it through the final stretch on Sunday.

“It’s definitely sweet to get that major championship,” said Johnson.

“At that point I just thought I’d deal with it when I’m done,” reflected Johnson about dealing with the officials decision to review the incident at the fifth. “I tried to block it out and not let it bother me.”

Jim Furyk, Scott Piercy and Shane Lowry were the only other men to finish under par, tied in second at 279. Furyk fired a brilliant 66 to rise up the order, but it was a disappointing round for Lowry. “I just feel like I let it go. I’m very disappointed. The more I think about it the more upset I’m getting,” admitted Lowry, who made 76 on Sunday.

“It’s going to be a tough few days. I led the US Open by four and I was tied for the lead with five holes to play. I am definitely good enough to win one of these.”

Sergio Garcia played well for his 70 to finish in a tie for fifth with Branded Grace. The top ranked amateur in the world gave a great account of himself – Jon Rahm ended the week in a tie for 23rd, seven over, with a fine 70 on Sunday.

Rahm will turn professional on Monday, making his pro debut at the Quicken Loans at the Congressional Country Club.

“It’s a special moment being where I am and being on this course, and today the last day of my amateur career,” said Rahm. “I felt great. After six holes, I was really feeling it. I was hitting the ball great but at Oakmont, you can’t get too cocky because it’s going to get you. I made a couple of bogeys coming down the stretch. I finished even par [for the round]. I’m really happy about it for sure.”