World No. 1 Dustin Johnson made it two wins from three Saudi starts with his two-shot success at the Saudi International.
Johnson, and despite a very average putting display in making just two putts over five feet on the final day, held on to also capture a ninth European Tour title and a 28th career success in posting a final day 67 for a 15-under par on the course laid out along the Red Sea shoreline.
In three Saudi showings Johnson has now won twice and finished runner-up while he’s not shot a score higher than 68 and he’s an impressive 44-under-par for his 216-holes of the Royal Greens course.
Dustin Johnson makes it two wins from three Saudi International appearances. (Photo – European Tour)
And in Johnson’s 85 European Tour counting events, Johnson has made the cut on 77 occasions, won nine finished runner-up seven times and had 19 top-10s.
“It’s very important for me to win here again on the European as I don’t get to play around the world as much as I like to,” he said.
“So, it’s definitely nice to get a win not on my regular Tour, and after winning last at Augusta to get my first win again then the game is obviously in really good form and I’m excited about the rest of the year.”
Despite Johnson’s success in European Tour counting events he will not be tempted, well not yet, to become a member of the European Tour.
“They try. I’d have to play too many events I think. I don’t like to play that many,” he said.
“I have a schedule — I mean, I like to play around 20 and not have to add three or four or five more. So I don’t know if that would work. But I’ve definitely thought about it.
“I know guys like Patrick Reed, Tony (Finau) and others were members last year and if I did join I would be right up there on the Race to Dubai and doing well. But like I said, it’s all based on the schedule. If it works out and I can, then obviously I will. But that’s quite a few more events that I’ve got to play”.
Justin Rose (65) and Tony Finau (67) shared second place and with Finau bumping Hill out of third in almost holing a final hole bunker shot for an eventual tap-in eagle.
It is Finau’s ninth second place finish since his only PGA Tour win five years ago next month.
Dustin Johnson’s Recent Run (August 2020 – February 2021)
2nd – PGA Championship
Win – Northern Trust
2nd – BMW Championship
Win – Tour Championship
6th – US Open
2nd – Houston Open
Win – The Masters
11th – Sentury Tournament of Champions
Win – Saudi International
