Dustin Johnson carded a 67 to claim victory at the inaugural Saudi International by two strokes over Haotong Li.
The American Johnson finished his final day in Saudi Arabia by offsetting two bogeys with five birdies, highlighted by two-straight on Nos. 17 and 18 to sign for a 19-under par.
“It feels really good,” said Johnson, who’s won at least three titles in each of the last three years. “Any time you can win a professional golf tournament, no matter where it is in the world, it’s a big win.
“I’m honored to be the champion and I’m very pleased with the win.
“The things that I’ve been working on are working and I’ve still got a lot of room for improvement. I’m very pleased with where the game is at. I’ve got a lot of confidence in what I’m doing and I feel like I’m hitting a lot of really good golf shots, so misses are starting to get better and I’m not making as many mistakes, even though I did on 16.
“But for the most part, that was about the only really bad shot I hit this week, so I’m pleased with where the game’s at, and to get a win here.
“It’s a big win, gives me a lot of confidence going for the rest of the year.”
Chinese Li secured solo second place after a clutch birdie on the final hole to reach 17 under, one clear of Englishman Tom Lewis (65) who finished alone in third on 16 under.
Korean Min Woo Lee (63) and Frenchman Alexander Levy (65) were next at 15- and 14-under par, respectively.
The win earned Johnson 48 world-ranking points to remain No. 3 behind No. 1 Justin Rose (MC) and No. 2 Brooks Koepka (T57).
2019 SAUDI INTERNATIONAL
FINAL TOP 10
Pos-Player-To Par (Today)
1. Dustin Johnson -19 (-3)
2. Haotong Li -17 (-1)
3. Tom Lewis -16 (-5)
4. Min Woo Lee -15 (-7)
5. Alexander Levy -14 (-5)
6. Joost Luiten -11 (-7)
6. Bryson DeChambeau -11 (-5)
6. Ian Poulter -11 (-4)
6. Scott Hend -11 (-3)
4. Ryan Fox -11 (-2)
WITH THIS WIN
- Dustin Johnson wins his sixth European Tour title in his 86th appearance
- It’s DJ’s first regular European Tour victory outside majors and WGCs
- He jumps to solo fifth on the list of all-time American winners on the European Tour after Tiger Woods (40), Phil Mickelson (10), Jack Nicklaus (9) and Tom Watson (8)
- Remains No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking behind Justin Rose (1) and Brooks Koepka (2)
- The fourth by an American in the 2019 season: Kurt Kitayama (Afrasia Bank Mauritius Open) David Lipsky (Alfred Dunhill Championship) Bryson DeChambeau (Omega Dubai Desert Classic)
QUOTABLE
“It’s a big win, gives me a lot of confidence going for the rest of the year.”
– Dustin Johnson