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Dustin Johnson extends PGA Tour streak as Rory McIlroy stumbles Travelers Championship in Connecticut

The former world No 1 has now won on Tour for 13 consecutive years

Jack Rathborn
Monday 29 June 2020 09:07 BST
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Dustin Johnson snapped his PGA Tour drought to prevail at the weather-hit Travelers Championship in Connecticut while Rory McIlroy battled inconsistency to finish in a tie for 11th.

The 36-year-old, starting the day two shots adrift of the lead and chasing down American Brendon Todd, carded a three-under 67 capitalised on the leader fading following a damaging seven at the par-four 12th alongside a bogey two holes later.

Johnson would have to be patient to get over the line though, despite securing a two-shot lead with three holes remaining, as heavy rain forced play to be suspended.

A bogey four at the 16th upon resumption was followed up with two steady pars to emerge victorious by a stroke at 19-under for the first time since MArch last year.

The former world No 1 has now won at least once per year on Tour for 13 consecutive years.

Johnson celebrates winning the Travelers Championship

“I’m definitely proud of myself for continuing the streak and I want to keep it going,” Johnson said.

“It was a long time between wins, though, and, so, hopefully it won’t be that long for the next one.”

American Kevin Streelman also shot a 67 to finish one stroke behind Johnson in second place, with fellow American Will Gordon’s superb last day 64 leaving him one further back in a share of third with Mackenzie Hughes, after the Canadian’s 67.

World No 1 McIlroy, who had slipped down the leaderboard on Saturday to start eight shots off the lead, had another up and down round, with some sensational golf mixed with costly lapses.

He began his day brilliantly by making a 23-foot birdie putt on the first but bogeyed two of his next three holes, before repairing that damage with birdies at the sixth, seventh and 10th.

McIlroy endured a tough weekend

The Northern Irishman then drained a a 35-foot putt for an eagle three at the 13th, chipped in from the bunker to birdie the short 16th, but stumbled again with a double-bogey six at the 17th when his second shot found the water.

His final round 67 left him in a group of nine players six shots behind Johnson on 13-under, including midway leader Phil Mickelson, who followed opening rounds of 64 and 63 with two rounds of 71.

England’s Paul Casey carded a 68 to finish equal 32nd, while countrymen Ian Poulter and Luke Donald finished among the tail after a 69 and a 79 respectively.

The tournament was marred by the coronavirus, with seven Covid-19 related withdrawals and three positive tests among players.

Cameron Champ withdrew on Tuesday, Denny McCarthy tested positive on Friday, and Dylan Frittelli testing positive after missing the cut.

As a result, the PGA Tour is adjusting its coronavirus protocols. Players, caddies and any other people considered “inside the bubble” will have to test negative before being allowed onto the grounds of the Detroit Golf Club for this week’s Rocket Mortgage Classic.

PA contributed to this report

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