World Golf News - 01 September 2011

On the US PGA Tour, the American Dustin Johnson was victorious at The Barclays Championship. In a three round tournament that was cut short due to the extreme weather conditions brought about by hurricane Irene, Johnson strode to a two shot win over fellow American Matt Kuchar.

As Johnson navigated the course at Plainfield Country Club on the third and final day, his flamboyant front nine performance carried him through. An eagle on the fourth hole set the American up for a successful final round and placed victory well outside the reach of his nearest rivals. After the final round, Johnson was 19 under par with a final score of 194.

For Johnson, this victory on Saturday marked his fifth win on the US PGA Tour. With Kuchar in second place, it was left to Vijay Singh and Brandt Snedeker to share third position on the leader board.

On the European Tour, a grand playoff ensued on the final day of play at the Johnnie Walker Championship.

As the final round came to a close on Sunday, the jury was out on who would lift the trophy just minutes later. A multi-player playoff saw Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn face off against a host of players including Britain’s Mark Foster and the South African George Coetzee.

After five punishing playoff holes that had fans on the edges of their seats, it was Bjorn who managed to birdie the hole and claim victory. This is the twelfth time that Bjorn, now 40 years old, has won on the European Tour. This victory has placed the Dane in the top 50 rankings for 2011.

For Mark Foster, the playoff represented a so close and yet so far situation, with commentators noting that the Briton has failed to capitalise on opportunities to win this season.

Golfweather Editorial