Poor, poor Dustin Johnson.
The 30-year-old sat at 4 under for the weekend at the U.S. Open headed into his 18th and final hole, which 21-year-old Masters champion Jordan Spieth had just birdied to take the lead at 5 under.
After a decent shot from the tee, Johnson set himself up wonderfully with a beautiful second shot that found a whole bunch of green.
[tweet https://twitter.com/TheCauldron/status/612806341665488901 align=’center’]
Johnson had a 12-foot eagle putt sitting between him and glory: If he sank it, he’d win the U.S. Open with a walk-off eagle, his first career major tournament victory. He was unable to sink the putt but was left with a bunny for birdie to force an 18-hole playoff Monday with Spieth.
And then, with his in-laws watching, this happened:
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Juuust a bit outside.
That one’s going to be tough to swallow. Even tougher? Monday is Johnson’s birthday, and that eagle putt and subsequent victory would have been good for a $1.8 million present. He won’t forget that shot anytime soon.
[tweet https://twitter.com/JasonSobelESPN/status/612811111239290881 align=’center’]
Despite the difficult loss, DJ kept things classy on his way out.
[tweet https://twitter.com/IanFurnessSea/status/612809607761690624 align=’center’]
Kudos to Johnson on both a fantastic U.S. Open and display of sportsmanship.
Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images