Contentious Decision at 2016 US Open: Dustin Johnson Nearly Loses Title at Oakmont due to Disputed Penalty
Gunning for Glory at Oakmont: Dustin Johnson's Controversial Breakthrough
The hype surrounding the US Open's return to Oakmont Country Club has stirred up memories of Dustin Johnson's 2016 victory. This major win was steeped in drama, as the Golfing World witnessed Johnson's maiden Major, yet not without a sprinkle of controversy.
Johnson, a player accustomed to heartbreaking near misses in Majors, was on the cusp of a breakthrough at Oakmont. His relentless pursuit of the US Open trophy seemed unstoppable, but an unusual impediment arose on the fifth green in the final round.
As Johnson prepared to address his ball, it began to move slightly. He swiftly called a rules official who advised him to finish the hole. It wasn't until the 12th hole, when Johnson was neck-and-neck with Shane Lowry, that he received the grim news – a possible penalty hung over his head, although the United States Golf Association would decide after his round.
For a player who had witnessed numerous Majors slipping through his fingers, the ensuing holes likely brought a mix of agony and dread, as this looming penalty might have tipped the scales. However, Lowry faltered in the closing stretch, and Johnson managed to card a final round of 68, securing a four-stroke victory, originally reported as five.
Later, the decision was made to assess Johnson a one-stroke penalty, making the final result a 69 and a three-shot victory. A dejected yet delighted Johnson exclaimed, "I've had a lot of opportunities that I didn't quite get it done. So this one's definitely really sweet."
Johnson's triumphant iron shot on the 18th sealed the deal, a testament to his unrelenting spirit – even rules officials couldn't deter him. Johnson's victory was fraught with close calls, starting with a three-shot lead at the 2010 US Open that vanished after a disastrous final round.
He also had a penalty assessed at the 2010 PGA Championship for grounding his club in one of Whistling Straits' unique bunkers, costing him a spot in a playoff. And who could forget the 2015 US Open, where he had a 12-foot putt on the last to win, only to three-putt and lose to Jordan Spieth by a shot.
A mere twelve months later, Johnson triumphantly battled through a penalty issue to claim a fully deserved maiden Major victory.
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Trivia:
- Dustin Johnson's victory at Oakmont was marked by a 4-under-par 276 total, boasting a 69 in the final round.
- Over 3,000 trees were removed from Oakmont to restore the course to its original look before the tournament.
- The controversy centered around a rules incident involving Johnson's ball moving on the fifth green, for which he was officially assessed a one-stroke penalty after completing his round.
Sign up for Golf Monthly's newsletter to stay updated on the latest tour news, equipment releases, and trivia like Dustin Johnson's victory at Oakmont’s US Open, where despite a rules controversy on the fifth green, he claimed his first Major win with a score of 4-under-par 276.
Amidst the excitement around the US Open's return to Oakmont Country Club, account for Johnson's 2016 victory, where golf's famous troubadour showcased his skills on the greens, triumphantly securing a win in the sport of golf.
