World No. 3 Dustin Johnson created a career double first in capturing the inaugural Saudi International.

‘DJ’ birdied his closing two holes in a final round 69 to win by two shots with a 19-under par tally on the host Royal Greens course laid out along the Red Sea.

China’s in-form Li Haotong was runner-up in producing a fighting final round 67 to finish the week on 17 under par.

Not only has Johnson etched his name into golf’s history books becoming the first to win in Saudi Arabia but it is also Johnson’s first ‘regular’ European Tour victory and only a second career success outside of the North American continent after capturing the 2013 WGC – HSBC Champions event in China.

The win also is Johnson’s 21st of his pro career.

Dustin Johnson wins the inaugural Saudi International (Photo – European Tour/Getty)

“It feels really good,” said Johnson. “Any time you can win a professional golf tournament, no matter where it is in the world, it’s a big win.

“I’m honoured to be the champion and I’m very pleased with the win.

“The things that I’ve been working on are working and I’ve still got a lot of room for improvement. I’m very pleased with where the game is at.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in what I’m doing and I feel like I’m hitting a lot of really good golf shots. So misses are starting to get better and I’m not making as many mistakes, even though I did on 16.

“But for the most part, that was about the only really bad shot I hit this week.

“So I’m pleased with where the game’s at, and to get a win here, it’s a big win, gives me a lot of confidence going for the rest of the year.”

Johnson was heading straight to the US West Coast where he will tee-up in Thursday’s start to the AT & T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and an event he captured in 2009 and successfully defended a year later.