Yes, Dustin Johnson's victory Sunday in Chicago at the BMW Championship makes a very nice story. After his hard-luck finishes at the U.S. Open, where he took a three-shot lead into the final round at Pebble Beach only to shoot 82 and tie for eighth, and the PGA Championship, where a two-shot penalty on the finishing hole cost him a berth in a playoff, it would have been easy -- even understandable -- for Johnson to still be licking his wounds.
So, posting a final-round 69 and one-shot victory at Cog Hill, earned with a birdie on the 17th hole and well-played par at 18, is more than a significant accomplishment.
But as all too often is the case, golf's reaction has been overreaction.
Johnson now is the leading candidate for player of the year honors, although the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup remains to be decided. He has been forecast as the future of golf, reading and waiting for Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson fade. He's the favorite next year at Augusta in the Masters.
This news just in: Johnson still trails Jack Nicklaus' record 18 majors by 18.
Johnson is young (26) and obviously talented. He's got distance and shot-making skill. He also has four career wins -- two this year. Eleven other players in their 20s also won this year -- including Hunter Mahan and Justin Rose, who, like Johnson, claimed two titles.
"I mean, I think there's a lot of good players of all ages, but the young guys definitely have stepped up and played really well this year and we've got a lot of victories," Johnson said. "I think we're just getting a little better."
Give Johnson his props, but do it with a little reserve. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
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