American Johnson edged Australian Marc Leishman and South African Louis Oosthuizen – the last person to win the title at St Andrews – after four extra holes to clinch the second major triumph of his career.
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Not after the way he staggered to a 3-over 75 Sunday while most of the top contenders were ripping up the Old Course, taking advantage of the soft greens and slight breezes.
Dunne, 22, is the first amateur since Bobby Jones to lead the Open after 54 holes, the American going on to lift the Claret Jug at St Andrews in 1927.
“If it adds more pressure, it just makes me feel like this is something that’s a little more special, let’s go ahead and get the job done”. “It’s going to be, I think one of the tightest Opens ever”. The pin was at the back and it was one of the easiest shots you would have all day.
Leishman finished three shots back.
The leading amateur also receives a Silver Medal. I don’t want to place third tomorrow.
Fort Worth legend Ben Hogan accomplished the feat in 1953.
Jordan Spieth’s bid for an unprecedented golfing grand slam ended in agonising fashion at the British Open after he missed out on joining a playoff by one stroke.
Both Johnson and Leishman shot 66 while Oosthuizen shot 69 in the final round to get to 15 under and in a playoff.
Day said he’d learnt lessons from a bunch of near misses at the majors, starting at the U.S. Open in 2011 when he tied for second behind Charl Schwartzel.
Dunne is the surprise of the tournament.
“We gave it a great effort”, Spieth said.
“I mean, at this point it’s free rolling”. I love this place. I was really motivated to win this championship.
It was an extraordinary day of extravagant shot-making that saw a barrage of birdies assail the Old Course. The only question is if Louis Oosthuizen will join them. Dunne could have declared himself a professional player and earned prize money this week, but he would have had to make that declaration before teeing off on Thursday. The nine players at 9-under 207 included Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose, Retief Goosen and Adam Scott, and one other amateur – Jordan Niebrugge of Oklahoma State, who shot a 67.
A month ago, the Australian managed to haul his tired body into the final pairing at Chambers Bay despite collapsing because of vertigo in the second round and suffering bouts of dizziness in the third.
He reached the turn in one over 37 and at that stage he was three behind playing partner Danny Willett who had been one back at the start of the day. “He’s certainly taken the game to newer heights as of late”.
“I’m grateful. I’m humbled”.
“I don’t see why not”, Dunne said.
“Everyone knows it. I can’t control what he does”.
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And then when I got there at 8, the shuttle didn’t come for five minutes. I’d warmed up, I’d hit balls, hit some putts.
