Dustin Johnson’s major dream was just 12 feet from reality on the final hole of the US Open on Sunday before two misdirected putts turned it into a nightmare.
Known more for his power with the driver than touch with the putter, the American came up with two fine shots on the par-five 18th hole to set himself up for a first major title.
Johnson’s three putt from 12 feet allowed compatriot Jordan Spieth to walk off with the trophy.
“Whatever the putt did on the last hole, I don’t know,” Johnson said. “It’s tough. I’ve got a chance to win the US Open on the last hole. I was trying, just didn’t work out.”
Johnson, who turned 31 yesterday, has experienced major disappointment before but Sunday’s finish may sting more than any other, coming on a Chambers Bay layout perfectly tailored to his power game.
At the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach, Johnson squandered a three-shot lead in the final round with an 82.
That same year at the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, he was hit with a two-stroke penalty for grounding his club in a bunker on the 18th hole and missed out on a play-off for the trophy with Martin Kaymer and Bubba Watson.
After a scrappy final round that included three bogeys over four holes to kick-off his back nine, Johnson stepped onto the 18th green with his first major just a 12-foot eagle putt away.
With his fiancee Paulina Gretzky and their newborn son looking on, Johnson calmly measured the putt, stepped up and watched the ball roll past the cup. He then missed a four-foot birdie putt coming back to squander the chance of forcing an 18-hole play-off.
“Disappointed. I played really well. I didn’t make any putts today, I really didn’t,” Johnson said. “I had all the chances in the world.
“I did everything that I could. I tried my damnedest to get in the hole, I just couldn’t do it.”
While Johnson received plenty of support and comfort from family and fans, it was his partner’s father Wayne Gretzky, he said, he would turn to for some perspective.
The former-NHL great had plenty of experience of dealing with disappointment over a record smashing career in ice hockey.
“I’ll see him in a few minutes as soon as I leave here,” Johnson said. “I’m sure we’ll talk about it. At the end of the day, golf is golf. I’ve got my family and that’s most important to me.
“My trophy at the end of the day is holding up my little man. I couldn’t be more proud of myself and my family.
“No matter what, I’m going to keep my head high and I’m going to be happy.”
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