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Dustin Johnson wins US Open

June 20, 2016

American golfer Dustin Johnson has claimed his first major title at the US Open in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. Johnson overcame a four-stroke deficit and a penalty en route to the championship.

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US Open Golf Turnier Dustin Johnson - Jun 19, 2016; Oakmont, PA, USA; Dustin Johnson holds up the championship trophy after winning the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports Copyright: Reuters/ M. Madrid
Image: Reuters/ M. Madrid

Dustin Johnson claimed his first major championship Sunday, coming from behind to win the US Open in Oakmont Pennsylvania.

The 31-year-old shot a 69 in the final round to finish at four-under for the tournament, three shots ahead of fellow Americans Scott Piercy and Jim Furyk, and Irishman Shane Lowry.

Johnson suffered multiple near misses at major tournaments in recent years, most notably at last year's US Open when he three-putted the final green to hand the win to Jordan Spieth.

"Feels good. Feels really good. Feels well deserved. I've had a lot of opportunities that I didn't quite get it done. So this one's definitely really sweet," Johnson said.

"It means the world. It's Father's Day. My birthday's in a couple days. Couldn't have came at a better time."

Controversial penalty

US Open Golf Turnier Dustin Johnson - epa05378527 Dustin Johnson of the US lines up his final putt on the eighteenth hole during the final round of 116th US Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA, 19 June 2016. The tournament will be played 16 June thorough 19 June. EPA/TANNEN MAURY |
Johnson exorcised his demons resulting from some previous near-missesImage: picture-alliance/dpa/T. Maury

Johnson started the last 18 holes tied for second, but still four strokes behind Ireland's Lowry.

He also played the final few holes under the shadow of a potential penalty after officials informed him at the 12th that he could be penalized for a potential rules violation back on the fifth green when his ball moved slightly as he prepared to putt.

But even though Johnson was eventually penalized one stroke, his margin was such that the victory could not be overturned.

The penalty drew criticism from some high-profile players, with Jordan Spieth calling it "a joke."

Spieth, hoping to bounce back from a disastrous collapse that cost him the title at the Masters in April, struggled at Oakmont and closed with a nine-over 75.

bw/cmk (AFP, AP)