Sports

American Zach Johnson wins British Open

Associated Press
American Zach Johnson reacts after winning a playoff after the final round at the British Open Golf Championship at the Old Course, St. Andrews, Scotland, Monday, July 20, 2015.
American Zach Johnson reacts after winning a playoff after the final round at the British Open Golf Championship at the Old Course, St. Andrews, Scotland, Monday, July 20, 2015. Peter Morrison Associated Press
St. Andrews, Scotland

American Zach Johnson made par on the final playoff hole Monday to win the 144th British Open, his second major championship.

In the Open’s unique four-hole playoff format, Johnson birdied the first two holes (Nos. 1 and 2), bogeyed the 17th and made par on the 18th.

South African Louis Oosthuizen matched Johnson with a birdie on No. 1 while the other golfer in the playoff, Australian Marc Leishman, had a three-putt bogey. Leishman steadily dropped back but Oosthuizen stayed within striking distance until missing a birdie putt on No. 18.

American Justin Spieth, aiming for his third straight major championship of 2015, fell one shot short when he missed a birdie putt on the 72nd hole of the rain-delayed tournament. So did his playing partner, Australian Jason Day.

Johnson, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, won his first major at The Masters eight years ago.

Check www.fresnobee.com later for more.

This story was originally published July 20, 2015 at 12:08 PM with the headline "American Zach Johnson wins British Open."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER