“It sounds good”, said Johnson of his elevation to World No.1.
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Day was among 48 players still on the course when darkness fell and was even through 16 after four birdies and four bogeys. “Until now I probably wouldn’t have said I was the best in the world, but now I can say it”. Johnson would have to win the Genesis Open and have world No. 1 Jason Day finish out of the top three to go to No. 1 for the first time.
Johnson hopped Jason Day, the previous world No. 1, to take over the new crown.
Nicklaus and Palmer won at least once for 17 straight years and Woods had a streak of 14.
There was no doubt this time.
Saturday at the Genesis Open, officials desperate to schedule play in a tournament hit by one rain delay after another had the leaders scheduled to tee off 19 minutes after sunset. Things aren’t going to always go your way on a day like today.
It was a dominating performance from Johnson over a field top heavy with superstars. “I think it sets up good to my eye”. The U.S. Open champion was in such complete control that he missed only three greens and his longest par putt was 4 feet.
Johnson finished at 17-under 267. It never looks like he’s laboring but he barely had to lift a finger as he cruised around Riviera on a marathon 36-hole Sunday with a multi-shot cushion.
Johnson finished the second round with three birdies over his last four holes.
“I still would have liked to play a little better the last 10 holes”.
He still had no complaints.
January, 2015 – His partner, Paulina Gretzky – daughter of ice hockey great Wayne Gretzky – gives birth to son Tatum Gretzky Johnson.
Johnson embraced his wife, who is now pregnant with their second child, after clinching the massive victory – a great end to an all-world performance.
The top 25 at the end of the Web.com Tour regular season earn PGA Tour cards for next season.
Bryan shot 72 in the afternoon and tied for fourth.
Spieth, victor of last week’s AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm, said: “To feel like we actually have a chance to win this tournament is nice, so hopefully go out tomorrow, finish it off strong, and take it into the weekend”. He has seen enough of Johnson to realize this was inevitable. I knew I was going to hit a lot of bad shots… He’s got all the talent that you could want in a golfer. It sailed well over the bunker, and Pat Perez stood to the side of the tee just shaking his head.
Johnson had it really easy on a sloppy Saturday of light rain and a muddied course.
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Perez shook his head, smiled.
