Dustin Johnson stuns golf world with astonishing drive
Dustin Johnson can do things few other mortal men can accomplish on the golf course, and that was evident on Monday at the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii.
Johnson, playing with a large lead during the final round, nearly recorded a hole-in-one on the Par-4 12th hole.
And it's not a short Par-4 either - it's 433 yards!
Though massive roll was in effect, Johnson hit the tee shot around 430 yards to flirt with the ace, settling for eagle.
The World No.1 says he feels ready to have a career-best season after romping to an eight-shot victory.
It was the tee shot at 12 which Johnson felt signalled a return to the form which saw him bag three wins in as many starts between March and February last year, when he knocked Australia's Jason Day off the top of the world rankings.
"It's the closest it's been to that stretch. I've got a lot of confidence in the game. I'm hitting the shots I want to hit," said Johnson.
433 yards, Dustin Johnson has 2 inches left for eagle and a reminder he’s an alien from a place far from Earth and I want to move there now.
— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) January 8, 2018
Hey @TaylorMadeGolf @TaylorMadeCA what driver is @DJohnsonPGA ... asking for a friend... #buyingitmonday
— Eddy (@idiotninja24) January 8, 2018
Dustin Johnson just missed an ace. By an inch. On a par-4. From 433 yards. With a driver.
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelESPN) January 8, 2018
With seven of the world's top 10 golfers present, Johnson laid down the marker for the 2018 US PGA Tour season with a truly dominant display at Kapalua's Plantation course on Maui.
Starting the final round with a two-shot lead, big-hitting Johnson fired a brilliant eight-under-par 65 to finish at 24-under, with Spanish world No.4 Jon Rahm (69) a distant second at 16 under and Brian Harman (72) a shot further back in third.
Although his 2017 campaign was stalled by a back injury, Johnson's four wins were the most he's put together in a season.
But the 33-year-old says this year could be his best.
"A lot of seasons I've only had one win, but last year was my most and hopefully I can do even better this year. I'm pretty confident in my game, especially coming off a strong year," said Johnson.
Johnson's 17th US Tour victory ensures he has a win in 11 consecutive seasons since debuting in 2008.
With 18 titles, only Tiger Woods has more victories in that span.
with agencies