Johnson Defies History With Masters Win

The No. 1-ranked player finishes at 20-under 268
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Nov 15, 2020 3:00 PM CST
Dustin Johnson Wins 'One-of-a-Kind' Masters
Dustin Johnson walks over the Sarazen Bridge on his way to the 15th green as spectators applaud during the final round of the Masters golf tournament Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Augusta, Ga.   (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

Nothing ever comes easily for Dustin Johnson in the majors, except for when he slipped his arms through that Masters green jacket Sunday, the AP reports. Johnson overcame a jittery start that conjured memories of past majors he failed to finish off. He turned that into a command performance, making sure this one-of-a-kind Masters with no fans also had no drama. Not even close. Johnson tapped in for par on the 18th for a 4-under 68 to finish at 20-under 268, breaking by two shots the record set by Tiger Woods in 1997 and matched by Jordan Spieth in 2015. His five-shot victory was the largest at the Masters since Woods won by 12 in 1997. All that was missing were the roars from a crowd for any of his pivotal putts early and his birdie putts on the back nine that put it away.

"It still feels like a dream," Johnson said. "As a kid, you're dreaming about winning the Masters, having Tiger put the green jacket on you. I'm here and what a great feeling it is. I couldn't be more excited." The Masters, postponed from April because of the COVID-19 pandemic, was forced to do without patrons for the first time. Johnson still received a warm reception coming up the 18th from club members and their wives, his partner, Paulina Gretzky, and a few champions. Two-time champion Bubba Watson was there to congratulate him. "I always dreamed of having one of those," Johnson said as he went to sign his card. "Now I got one." Cameron Smith and Sungjae Im each shot 69 and were the only ones who really had a chance. Click for the full story.

(More golf stories.)

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