Johnson holds off McIlroy to win WGC-Mexico Championship

Tuesday, 26 February 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

MEXICO CITY, AFP: Dustin Johnson captured his 20th US PGA Tour title on Sunday, firing a five-under par 66 to beat Rory McIlroy by five strokes in the final round of the WGC-Mexico Championship.

Dustin Johnson poses for a photo with the trophy after winning the final round of the WGC-Mexico Championship golf tournament at Club de Golf Chapultepec – USA TODAY Sports

The 34-year-old American finished with a 21-under 263 total to win this event at the Club de Golf Chapultepec for the second time in three years.

“It clicked. I hit it really well this week,” Johnson said. “It means a lot, to get 20 wins out here is very difficult. To do it before I turn 35 is pretty incredible.

“This is a big win for me. It gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the year. I feel like the game is in good form right now.” McIlroy closed with a 67 thanks to a sizzling back nine – six birdies in seven holes before a bogey at 18 – but it wasn’t enough to catch red-hot Johnson, who posted five of his six birdies on the back nine.

Johnson has won at least one US PGA event in 12th consecutive years, with his 20th career win coming in his 246th start.

Englishmen Paul Casey and Ian Poulter shared third on 273, shooting 65 and 68 respectively in the fourth round, with Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who fired 68 to join the pack 10 off Johnson’s pace. Sergio Garcia, Patrick Cantlay and Cameron Smith shot identical 70s and shared sixth.

Justin Thomas had the round of the day with a nine-under 62 which left him ninth. He had four consecutive birdies on numbers 10-13 and fashioned nine birdies over his first dozen holes.