Johnson Wins PO Championship "17.8 Billion Won Jackpot"... Im Sungjae 11th Place

PO Final 3rd Round Tour Championship 3-Stroke Victory, Shoply and Thomas Tied for 2nd, McIlroy Tied for 8th

World No.1 Dustin Johnson is cheering after winning the Tour Championship and becoming the 'PO Champ'. Atlanta, Georgia, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] Dustin Johnson (USA), world No. 1, has claimed his first-ever Playoffs (PO) championship.

On the 8th (Korean time) at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, USA (par 70, 7,280 yards), Johnson finished the final day of the PGA Tour Playoffs' third and final event, the Tour Championship, with a 2-under-par round to secure a 3-stroke victory (21-under-par). This marks his third win of the season in two weeks following the Northern Trust, his 23rd career victory, and a PO bonus of a whopping $15 million (17.8 billion KRW). Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics) finished 11th (10-under-par).

Starting with a 5-stroke lead, Johnson recorded four birdies and two bogeys. After a birdie on the 3rd hole (par 4), he quickly took control with consecutive birdies on the 5th and 6th holes. Although he made consecutive bogeys on the 7th and 8th holes, no significant challengers appeared, and he closed with a birdie on the 18th hole (par 5) on a high note. He unleashed powerful drives up to 342 yards, hit the green in regulation 77.78% of the time with pinpoint iron shots, and maintained his score with an average of 1.71 putts per hole, showcasing his 'stingy putting.'

It is interesting that Johnson benefited greatly from the 'Strokes Bonus' effect by receiving the No. 1 seed (10-under-par). This new system was introduced last year by the PGA Tour to resolve the issue that the Tour Championship and PO champion were different. After the second event, the system applies staggered scores: 1st place starts at 10-under-par, 2nd at 8-under-par, 3rd at 7-under-par, 4th at 6-under-par, 5th at 5-under-par, 6th to 10th at 4-under-par, 11th to 15th at 3-under-par, 16th to 20th at 2-under-par, 21st to 25th at 1-under-par, and 26th to 30th at even par.

Zander Shofley (USA), seeded 14th (3-under-par), posted a better actual score than Johnson in this tournament (15-under-par) but had to settle for runner-up for the second consecutive year (18-under-par). Justin Thomas (USA) joined the tie for second place by shooting four strokes better, while No. 2 seed Jon Rahm (Spain) slipped to fourth place (17-under-par). Defending champion Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) ended his title defense tied for eighth (11-under-par), hampered by putting struggles in rounds 2 and 3.

Domestic fans were disappointed as Im Sung-jae's bid for a PO victory fell short. After posting a 6-under-par daily best on the second day, he surged to second place but lost two strokes while playing alongside Johnson on the third day, halting his momentum. Although he made six birdies that day, four bogeys and one double bogey resulted in an even-par round. Particularly, his tee shot on the 7th hole (par 4) landed in a bunker, causing difficulties. The 11th place bonus is $750,000 (890 million KRW).

Im Sung-jae is teeing off on the 2nd hole on the final day of the PO final 3rd round Tour Championship. Atlanta, Georgia, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

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