Johnson hangs on to win again on PGA Tour

Former world No.1 Dustin Johnson has claimed the Travelers Championship to end a 16-month winless streak on the PGA Tour.

By Australian Associated Press
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A delay for lightning could not derail Dustin Johnson as he secured victory at the Travelers Championship for his first win on the PGA Tour in 16 months.

Johnson shot a closing round of three-under 67 to finish the week at 19-under 261 and claim his 21st PGA title to mark his 13th consecutive season with at least one victory.

"I'm definitely proud of myself for continuing the streak... it was a long time between wins though - hopefully it won't be that long for the next one," Johnson said in a televised interview.

Kevin Streelman was second a shot behind Johnson after a 67 while Will Gordon (64) and Canadian Mackenzie Hughes (67) shared third at 17-under-par.

Former world No.1 Johnson narrowly avoided disaster on the 15th at TPC River Highlands, when he was forced to remove his shoes and stand in a pond to hit his ball, which landed in the damp turf next to the water.

He made par, only to bogey on the next hole, after a brief inclement weather delay at the tournament played with no fans due to COVID-19 restrictions.

"Even though there's no fans here, you can still feel the pressure," Johnson, the 2016 US Open champion, said.

"The rain delay didn't help very much because then I actually had time to think about everything."

Johnson was tied for 79th after the opening round on Thursday, the lowest first-round position by a winner in the tournament's history.

Best of the Australians was Jason Day (68) in a share of 46th after birdies on the 16th and 18th on Sunday while Marc Leishman (72) tied for 58th and Greg Chalmers (73) finished 67th.

Brendon Todd, who had been in the lead after a career low nine-under 61 in the third round, self-destructed on the 12th with a triple bogey and failed to recover.

His five-over 75 left him a share of 11th in a group that included world No.1 Rory McIlroy (67).

"There's been some really good stuff in there, but then just some really stupid mistakes," McIlroy said.

There were seven COVID-19-related withdrawals from the Connecticut event and two positive tests among players, while Day requested a test before his third round - the result of which was negative.

Subsequently the PGA Tour is making some tweaks to its coronavirus policies with players, caddies and anyone else considered "inside the bubble" having to test negative before being allowed on the grounds of the Detroit Golf Club for the next event starting on Thursday.


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