[Masters] Johnson "Conquering Augusta"... Im Sungjae Runner-up (Summary)

Johnson Tournament Lowest Score '2.3 Billion Jackpot', McIlroy's 'Career Slam' Bid Stops at Tied 5th, Woods Faces 'Septuple Bogey' Humiliation

Dustin Johnson (right) is being presented with the green jacket by last year's champion Tiger Woods immediately after winning the Masters. Augusta, Georgia, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] World No. 1 Dustin Johnson (USA) claimed the top spot at the 'Masters Tournament' (total prize money $11.5 million).

On the 16th (Korean time), at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA (par 72, 7,475 yards), he added a 4-under-par on the final day to secure a 5-stroke victory (20-under-par 268). This marked his 24th career win, two months after winning the PGA Tour Playoffs for the FedEx Cup Tour Championship last September, earning $2.07 million (2.3 billion KRW) in prize money. South Korea’s Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics) finished tied for 2nd place (15-under-par 273), achieving a historic result among Asian players.

Johnson started the final round with a 4-stroke lead and recorded six birdies and two bogeys. Leading wire-to-wire from the first day, his 20-under-par is notably the lowest score in the tournament’s history. The 'Returned Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods set 18-under-par 270 in 1997, and Jordan Spieth (both USA) scored the same in 2015. Across the four major championships, only three players have scored lower: Jason Day (Australia) at the 2015 PGA Championship and Henrik Stenson (Sweden) at the 2016 Open Championship.

Johnson was the 'Player of the Year' for the 2019/2020 season with three wins. His victory at the Travelers Championship in June marked his 13th consecutive season with at least one win since the Turning Stone Resort Championship in 2008. In August, at the first playoff event, The Northern Trust, he achieved a massive 11-stroke victory (30-under-par 254). His second-round 11-under-par 60 was just one stroke shy of the 'dream 59,' leaving some regret.

Dustin Johnson is cheering immediately after winning at the 18th hole on the final day of the Masters. Augusta, Georgia, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

It is interesting that he was diagnosed with COVID-19 on the 14th of last month before The CJ Cup. However, Johnson adjusted his competitive shot form with a runner-up finish at the Houston Open after recovering on the 9th, and immediately fired a 7-under-par on the first day of this tournament, impressing everyone. It was remarkable that he hit a maximum 329-yard drive and maintained an 83.33% greens-in-regulation rate with his 'needle-like iron shots.' He recorded two eagles, 20 birdies, and only four bogeys. "It feels like a dream to have Woods personally put the green jacket on me," he exclaimed.

Im Sung-jae set a new milestone with a 'major runner-up' finish. After consecutive birdies on holes 2 and 3, he closed the gap to one stroke but was held back by consecutive bogeys on holes 6 and 7. Cameron Smith (Australia) also tied for 2nd place. Im made history by recording scores in the 60s for all four rounds, a first in Masters history. Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) ended his bid for the 'Career Grand Slam,' having won all four different majors, finishing tied for 5th (11-under-par 277).

Jon Rahm (Spain) tied for 7th (10-under-par 278), while the highly anticipated 'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA) finished tied for 34th (2-under-par 286). Despite a notable 346-yard drive, he struggled due to inconsistent iron shots. Tiger Woods made headlines off-course with a septuple bogey on the 12th hole (par 3), finishing tied for 38th (1-under-par 287). Kang Sung-hoon (33) tied for 29th (3-under-par 285), and Kim Si-woo tied for 34th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.