Johnson topples Day from throne at Riviera

Say “hello” to the new World Number One  – America’s Dustin Johnson!  The 32-year old long and lean ‘driving machine’ from South Carolina now tops the Official World Golf Rankings after a classy performance in the Genesis Open at Riviera (16-19 February).  It’s the first time in Johnson’s career that he has got to number one spot, knocking Australia’s Jason Day from his throne after a reign of 47 weeks.

 

After a tournament that had been thwarted by fog and torrential rain, Johnson finally wrapped-up his third round at Riviera on Sunday morning.  He had started the day just one stroke ahead, but after carding a brilliant 7-under par 64, he walked onto the first tee for the final round a few hours later with a luxurious 5-shot lead.  At one point, he even extended that lead to nine shots.  He eventually holed out for a 5-shot victory on 17-under par, 267.  Thomas Pieters from Belgium closed with an impressive 63 to share second place with Scott Brown.

 

Not only was his triumph at Riviera last weekend his fourth victory since last June including his first Major title, it was also his eighth top-3 finish in his last 16 tournaments.  US Open Champion Johnson, who turned professional ten years ago, has become only the 20th player to reach the Number One pinnacle in golf since the world rankings began in 1986.

 

Simply awesome, DJ!

 

 

Wendy Hoad

 

 

PICTURED:  Dustin Johnson winning the US Open at Oakmont.