Johnson's foldup opens wild chase

PEBBLE BEACH, California – Dustin Johnson learned holding the 54-hole lead at the US Open at Pebble Beach isn’t the best position to be in.

Much like Gil Morgan 18 years ago, Johnson collapsed on Sunday in the final round of the Open. Morgan held the lead going to the final day in 1992, only to shoot an 81 while Tom Kite played flawless to win his only major championship.

So much for the powerful 25-year-old being the new “Prince of Pebble.” A day after talking confidently about his chances at a first major title, Johnson would have preferred a hiding spot in the rocky seaside cliffs.

Much like Gil Morgan 18 years ago along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Johnson crumbled Sunday in the final round. The young star shot an 11-over 82, going from 6 under and a three-shot lead following a sizzling 66 on Saturday, to 5 over and barely hanging on to a finish in the top 10.

More important, Johnson’s collapse came early, blowing open the tournament and giving new life to those who started the day five, six, seven shots back. While the names Tiger, Phil and Ernie were brought back into contention by Johnson’s struggles, it turned out to be his playing partner, Graeme McDowell, that walked home with the title after finishing the tournament at even par.

“I thought after the way he played yesterday if the same guy turned up he was going to be really tough to beat,” McDowell said after holding on for a one-shot victory.

Johnson’s 82 was the second-worst round of the day and the worst final round by a 54-hole leader since Fred McCloud’s 83 in 1911.

“Playing so poorly, I still had fun today,” Johnson said. “I enjoyed playing today. You know, (I’ll) get it done next time.”

Having solved Pebble for wins in the past two February PGA Tour stops here, Johnson saw his Saturday night lead gone by the time he reached the fourth tee. Johnson made a triple bogey on No. 2, a double at the third and a bogey at four and seven.

He failed to make a birdie in his final round, after making 11 birdies and an eagle the first three days. (AP)