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GOLF-USA-OPEN-JOHNSON
Koepka says vanquished Johnson will win another major
SOUTHAMPTON, United States, June 18, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Dustin Johnson’s bid
for a second US Open title in three years faded on the greens at Shinnecock
Hills, where the world Number One had a ringside seat to good friend Brooks
Koepka’s victory.
Johnson arrived at Shinnecock fresh from a US PGA Tour victory in Memphis
that propelled him back to the top of the world rankings.
He looked every inch the top golfer in the world as he established a four-
shot lead through 36 holes, his four-under total making him the only player
under par at the halfway stage.
That lead had evaporated by the end of a chaotic third round, but as part
of a four-way tie for the lead going into Sunday, Johnson still looked like
the man to beat.
But the putting problems that emerged on Saturday dogged Johnson again in
the final round.
He three-putted three times on the back nine and failed to mount a
challenge. He finished third, two strokes behind Koepka after an even par 70.
Johnson declined to discuss the round, but Koepka was full of praise for
his friend.
“He’s going to win another (major), we all know that,” Koepka said. “The
attitude, the work ethic, everything that he brings to it, in my book he
will, when he’s done, probably go down as one of the best of all time.”
Koepka and Johnson worked out together before each of the last two rounds,
but Koepka said they spoke little during competition for the title.
“We talked a lot more when we worked out than when we were on the golf
course,” Koepka said. “We’re both competitive. We both know we’re trying to
beat each other and trying to win a golf tournament, trying to win a major.
“He was busy grinding his tail off and I was busy grinding mine. But I’m
sure there’s nobody happier for me than Dustin.”
BSS/AFP/MR/1010 hrs