Dustin Johnson rallied from five strokes behind to force a playoff and then defeat Jordan Spieth at the Northern Trust Open in Old Westbury, New York, on Sunday.
Spieth entered the final round at Glen Oaks Club on Sunday with a three-stroke lead on Johnson, but the latter’s 4-under 66 thanks to an 18-foot putt to make par on the finale hole tied him with Spieth and forced a playoff. The 24-year-old — who won the British Open in July — gained a one-shot lead over Johnson with a birdie on Hole No. 14 before Johnson countered with a birdie on the 15th.
Johnson — the 2016 U.S. Open champion — hit an amazing 341-foot shot in his return to the 18th hole during the playoff before tapping in a short birdie putt to earn his fourth victory of the year.
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The first playoff hole began with Spieth hitting a respectable 315-foot drive down the fairway. However, the young Texan then couldn’t make his approach shot stay on the green. He followed the iron approach with a birdie attempt from the fringe, but he couldn’t sink it to match Johnson.
Both Spieth and Johnson finished at 13-under 267 on Sunday.
Johnson’s victory marked his first since he injured his back while falling down stairs at Augusta to miss the Masterst Tournament in April. He had won three straight tournaments against strong fields until that injury.
“I feel like the game is finally back in form like it was before the Masters,” Johnson said.
Sunday’s victory also marked Johnson’s second Northern Trust trophy and fourth FedEX Cup Playoff title. The 33-year-old North Carolinian — who is now No. 1 in the world — took home $1.5 million on Sunday.
Spieth is ranked No. 2 in the world.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – MARCH 05: Dustin Johnson of the United States plays his tee shot on the 18th hole during the final round of the World Golf Championships Mexico Championship at Club De Golf Chapultepec on March 5, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Justin Heiman/Getty Images)
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