[Masters] 'Green Jacket' Johnson's Tears "This Time I Held the Major Lead"

Dustin Johnson is tearing up during a broadcast interview immediately after winning the Masters. Augusta, Georgia, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] 'Four attempts, five tries.'

World No.1 Dustin Johnson (USA) had tasted defeat all four times he started the final day of a major as the leader or co-leader. Those were at the 2010, 2015, and 2018 US Opens, and the PGA Championship last August. However, at the 'Masters' (total prize money $11.5 million) held on the 16th (Korean time) at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA (par 72, 7,475 yards), he achieved a commanding 5-stroke victory (20-under 268), finally achieving his long-awaited redemption.

This was why Johnson was teary-eyed during a broadcast interview. He exclaimed, "I've wanted to win the Masters since I was young, and I finally fulfilled my dream." Starting the day with a 4-stroke lead, Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics) closed the gap to just one stroke within the first five holes, creating a tense atmosphere. For Im, missing a 1.2-meter par putt on the 6th hole (par 3) was a regrettable moment. Johnson's birdie then extended the lead back to three strokes.

Johnson secured his victory with three consecutive birdies on holes 13 through 15 in the back nine, setting a remarkable tournament record of 20-under par. This marked his 24th career win, including two major titles, and earned him $2.07 million (2.3 billion KRW) in prize money. He added a special comment, saying, "I proved that I can hold the lead in a major." When defending champion Tiger Woods (USA) draped the green jacket over his shoulders, Johnson said, "It's even more amazing that Tiger put the green jacket on me," and expressed his joy, calling it "the best way to wear this jacket."

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