KING ABDULLAH ECONOMIC CITY, Saudi Arabia – Dustin Johnson won the Saudi International for the second time in three years on Sunday after shooting 2-under 68 in the final round to finish two a clean blow from Justin Rose and Tony Finau.
Johnson, who was also second in 2020, recorded his highest round of the tournament at the Royal Greens Golf Club but still finished at the top of the board on 15-under overall.
Scotland’s Calum Hill went on the 18th par-five to finish fourth with Frenchman Victor Perez.
Johnson led the two-pointer into the final but the Masters champion struggled on the lawns and was caught by Finau when his fellow American did a hat-trick of birdies from the 11th.
However, Johnson went back in front with a birdie on the 13th and found some welcome space when Finau dropped scenes on the 16th and 17th and Perez doubled on the 16th.
Johnson also fired a shot on the 16th to cut his lead to one, but responded in style with a large tee bullet on the next and a pitch to both feet to set up a sure birdie.
“I saw the board a bit, the boys were playing well but I kept giving myself a lot of opportunities,” Johnson told Sky Sports. “I didn’t punch a lot of them but finally grabbed a nice putt. air 13.
“Seventeen birdie was really nice, it hit a good drive there and a nice little slice but it was tough all day today.
“I won’t be playing around the world as much as I would like but it’s definitely nice to win not on my tour and after Augusta, to get my first win. again, obviously the game is still in pretty good form and I’m excited about the rest of the year. “
Rasmus Hojgaard, Ryan Fox, Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton finished in a four-run tie for sixth place on 11 under.
Saudi International is the last of three events in the “Gulf Swing” that will launch 2021 on the European Tour.