Johnson wins rain-shortened Pebble Beach Pro-Am

2009-02-16

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PEBBLE BEACH, California (Ticker)—Dustin Johnson picked up a PGA Tour title before sitting down for breakfast.

After two days of waiting through inclement weather, Johnson was declared the winner of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am when Monday’s final round was canceled due to rain.

It was the second career title for the 24-year-old Johnson, who recorded his first victory last October at Turning Stone by birdying his final two holes.

Johnson joined Anthony Kim as the only players with two PGA titles before the age of 25 - and all before his morning meal.

“I did everything normal like we were going to play,” Johnson said. “I still went to have breakfast, and that’s when I found out that we weren’t going to play. I found out from another player who actually called me and congratulated me.”

The final round of this $6.1 million event was postponed Sunday due to persistent rain and fierce wind, which knocked down a tree onto the course.

After delaying the start of the final round Monday morning, tournament officials ultimately were forced to cancel the completion of the event at approximately 8 a.m. local time.

The weather proved beneficial to Johnson, who finished with an overall score of 15-under-par 201. Courtesy of the victory, Johnson automatically qualified for the first two majors this year, including the Masters.

“It’s just always been a dream of mine to play there,” Johnson said. “I’ve had a few opportunities to go play. I didn’t really want to because I wanted to earn my way into it, so I’m just very excited that I finally get a chance to go play it.”

A Georgia native who grew up 45 minutes from Augusta, Johnson admitted he has dreamed about winning the Masters since childhood.

“I just always remember being so close to that, going to the tournament a few times,” Johnson said. “Then growing up as a little kid, you’re always on the putting green making that putt to win Augusta.”

Johnson picked up six shots in Saturday’s third round to overtake Retief Goosen. Johnson was two strokes off the lead entering the third round before surging past Goosen with a 5-under-par 67 at Poppy Hills. Goosen fell from the lead after a 74 at Spyglass Hill.

Canadian Mike Weir, who fired a 69 on Saturday, finished second with an overall score of 11-under. Goosen placed third at 10-under while Bob Estes and Mark Calcavecchia tied for fourth at 9-under.