The rookie turned the tables on the tour vet at the Turning Stone Resort Championship. Birdies on 17 and 18 allowed Dustin Johnson to capture his first tour win and guarantee his employment for the next two years. Johnson's -9 finish left him two ahead of Aussie Robert Allenby, who at 13th on the season's money list, was the highest ranked player in the field. Johnson economized by using just 11 putts on the back nine. Conversely Allenby, left his short stick efforts just that, short all day, including a putt on the 18th hole to force a playoff. The doomed putt on 18 looked to be center cut. All it lacked was another roll and a half. Allenby was gracious in defeat, although I'll admit I didn't recognize him in the interview without his trademark shades. They're sort of a combination between WWI, open cockpit aviator glasses and the movie "The Fly".
For his efforts, Johnson snagged a 1.08 million dollar check. He also launched himself from 128th in the money rankings to 41st. Top 30's not out of the question with remaining events. That's the doorway to major championships. A shot behind Allenby was the magnificent seven of Goggin, Steve Allan, Woody, DL III, Imada, Garrigus, owner of a 20" putter, and Chuck Howell III. Johson was 1str i driving distance and 2nd in putting. That's a winning recipe every week. Add Johson, at 24, to the list of young guns. Maybe Tiger will have some rivals yet.
Next up in the quest to keep your job is the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio, TX.
Go Red Sox!
Til' next,
Sunday, October 5, 2008
P.G.A. Rookie Dustin Johnson Leaves No Stone Unturned...
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I can't imagine being 24 and just winning a cool million in a golf tournament. Talk about a life changing in just 4 days.
ReplyDeleteKinda takes the pressure off, huh?
ReplyDeleteI just wish he was a tad more interesting. Sadly, in these tough times a big personality is almost as important as a great game if the goal is to attract sponsors and audience and that may have to be the goal to ensure survival.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I noticed DJ seemed a little bland in the post round interview. Pro golf is going to concentrate harder on their marketing efforts to hang on to dwindling dollars.
ReplyDeleteNice to see a rookie win on a tough course with that type of pressure.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, golf needs more rookie, or at least younger player wins. Tiger needs a challenge to engage the casual golf viewers. We'll see in the spring. He may get one.
ReplyDelete