Johnson Wins Northern Trust By Eleven Strokes: Tour's Biggest Blowout Since 2006

It wasn’t a lot of fun to watch despite the intense playoff vibes. Dustin Johnson winning by eleven at normally exciting TPC Boston probably won’t be setting a new Northern Trust Open ratings record. Johnson’s 22nd PGA Tour win also sends him back atop the world golf rankings.

Maybe the eleven shots was not the most impressive part, writes GolfChannel.com’s Ryan Lavner.

Johnson was 13 clear of fourth place.

He was 15 ahead of eighth.

Those who shared 18th place – a nice week, normally – were 18 strokes behind.

“That’s the type of talent he is. I’ve been watching it for 25 years,” said fellow South Carolina native Kevin Kisner, who tied for fourth. “I’m pretty accustomed to it. When he’s on, I just step to the side and try to add on to my bank account.”

Ballstriking was especially stout, as noted by Johnson and GolfDigest.com’s Daniel Rapaport:

“Obviously this was a really good week. My ball-striking was unbelievable,” he said. The numbers back it up. Johnson picked up a staggering 18.14 shots on the field tee-to-green over 72 holes at TPC Boston, and hit 65 of 72 greens, including all 18 on Sunday.

You don’t see a lot of double digits in the strokes gained world. That’s my main takeaway. My instincts also suggest we’re going to learn more on where that stat stands since such records have been kept.

Speaking of records, Johnson’s performance missed two big ones by just a stroke each:

DJ missed lowest 72-hole total (253 by JT at Sony Open in 2017) and lowest in relation to par (-31 by Ernie Els) at 2003 Mercedes by one stroke in each case.

— Bob Harig (@BobHarig) August 23, 2020

The Golf.com gang debated his place in today’s game. Loved this from Bamberger:

Bamberger: He is his era’s Tom Weiskopf, without Weiskopf’s style or charm or charisma. He’s a mega-talent who can win on any course, if he can make short putts as he has been. He might surprise us. He might win another major. Either way, his career will finish in the Hall of Fame. You hope Weiskopf gets in before him, though.

Highlights from Johnson’s final round 63 in a week he also shot 60: