2/25/19

Dust another WGC

Dustin Johnson put together a dominant performance in Mexico capturing his 20th PGA Tour victory

by

It was one of those weeks on the PGA Tour. One of those weeks where Dustin Johnson has everything working and no one else stands a chance. DJ won the WGC Mexico by 5 shots over Rory McIlroy in a performance that was clinical from start to finish. WGC Mexico Championship Leaderboard

Domination Johnson

DJ’s play this weekend was mind-numbingly consistent. He made one bogey and one double in 72 holes on his way to the five shot victory. He led the field in SG putting, was second in SG approach, and was seventh in SG off the tee. DJ shook off a slow start and made six birdies over his last thirteen holes to run away from Rory.

Dustin now has two wins on the season and twenty PGA Tour titles in his career. Following the win, he said he was hitting the ball similarly to the streak he had early in 2017. His numbers tee-to-green are staggeringly impressive and his putter was red hot this week. With two wins and four top 10s in 2019, it appears that DJ is primed to overtake Justin Rose for the #1 spot in the world.

The Victim

Rory McIlroy beat the group tied for third place by five shots this week but was still outclassed by DJ. His opening 63 and first nine on Friday gave the impression that he was ready to run away with the event, but he ran into trouble and DJ turned it on. Rory made six birdies over his last eight holes in an attempt to run down the machine but struggled to make up any ground. He has now finished in the top 5 of four straight events, the first time he has done that in his career (h/t Justin Ray). Rory’s strong play points to a potential return to the top of the rankings and maybe some major championships.

Other Leaderboard Notes

Englishmen – Ian Poulter and Paul Casey each had strong showings in Mexico this weekend. Poulter was consistent with four rounds in the sixties while Casey started slow on Thursday/Friday before shooting back-to-back 65s on the weekend.

62 – Justin Thomas entered Sunday 16 shots back of the lead and was in a tie for 37th place. He then proceeded to make ten birdies and tie his course record of 62. He now has four top 10s in five starts this season and has not finished worse than 16th.

Barn Rat – Kiradech Aphibarnrat birdied his final three holes on Sunday to jump up to a tie for 3rd place with Casey and Poulter. He shot four rounds in the 60s and tied his career-best PGA Tour finish.

SSS – As of right now, Spieth still stinks. Jordan was four-over for the week despite shooting two rounds of 69. He was 62nd (out of 71) in SG off the tee, 42nd in strokes gained approach, and 51st in SG putting…not good.

The Microwave Man

Those who did not qualify for the WGC Mexico Championship headed to Puerto Rico for the weekend. Martin Trainer walked away with his first career PGA Tour win after a three-shot victory over Daniel Berger. Trainer had five MC Hammers in his first eight events of the season but summoned his game this weekend. He followed the exact same trend last year as he has 12 MCs and just three top 25 finishes (two wins) on the Web.com Tour. Puerto Rico Open Leaderboard

Out East

The Honda LPGA Thailand finished up on Sunday with Amy Yang holding on for a one-shot victory over Minjee Lee. Yang put on a dominant performance over the weekend, shooting three rounds of 66 or better to close out the tournament. She has now won this event three times in the last five years. Other notables in the top ten were Brooke Henderson, Nelly Korda, Megan Khang, and Danielle Kang. Michelle Wie finished T-23 in her first event back after surgery. Honda LPGA Thailand Leaderboard

Quick Hooks

Eddie Pepperell remains the best at creating #content.

Paul Casey birdied the first three holes of his 3rd round despite his caddy accidentally looking at the pin sheet for the Puerto Rico Open. Full Story from Rex Hoggard

Pebble Beach turned 100 this week. The resort put together a review of all the changes that have gone on over the last century.

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