Dustin Johnson ‘not bothered’ by ruling

• Dustin Johnson claims maiden major title amid controversy
• The American was penalised one stroke – outrage followed
• “I couldn’t be more proud of myself,” said the 31-year-old

Dustin Johnson claimed his maiden major title at the US Open despite being at the centre of a farcical rules controversy – which resulted in a one stroke penalty.

The 31-year-old was deemed to have caused the ball to move while lining up a putt on the fifth green – despite widespread condemnation from players including Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler – before being told about it while waiting on the 12th tee.

However, the American, who has endured his fair share of major heartache in recent years, held incredibly firm over the final seven holes to win by four strokes from Shane Lowry, Scott Piercy and Jim Furyk, sealed with the help of this stunning second shot into the 18th green.

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“I couldn’t be more excited, more happy, and more proud of myself, especially with the things that happened last year at the U.S. Open on the 18th hole, you know, to come back this year and to get it done, it’s definitely bitter sweet. It was a lot of fun.

“I still didn’t want the penalty. I didn’t think that I did anything to cause the ball to move, but at the end of the day, it didn’t affect what happened. So it doesn’t bother me at all.”

Shane Lowry scuppered a four-shot lead heading into the final round and afterwards, the Irishman was emotional but put no blame on being affected by what was going on with Dustin Johnson, who was playing in the group ahead.

“That actually didn’t affect me much at all,” he said. “I really feel like I let it go today, and it’s a great disappointment. The more I think about it, the more upset I’m getting. It’s one of those that’s going to be hard to take. It’s going to be a tough few days. But I led by four shots in the tournament going into the final round. I had a lead with five holes to play.”

The win lifts Dustin Johnson above Rory McIlroy to third place in the world rankings, while WGC-Bridgestone Invitational champ Lowry has risen up to No.25.

Dustin Johnson :: First major title

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