Dustin Johnson won the Masters Sunday, shooting a 68 to finish the tournament at -20, a new record. It marked his first Masters win and second major championship (he won the U.S. Open in 2016.)
Johnson shared an embrace with his partner, Paulina Gretzky, after securing the win. He received his green jacket from last year’s champion, Tiger Woods. And then the 36-year-old, who grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, about an hour from Augusta, was asked what finally winning the historic tournament, played in the fall for the first time due to the Covid-19 pandemic, meant to him.
He did his best to find the words but ultimately faltered, admitting “It’s hard to talk,” as his eyes welled with tears. For a golfer who has often been seen as aloof, it was a powerfully heartfelt moment.
phew. this is something pic.twitter.com/EmZm6LgeeS
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) November 15, 2020
Johnson has struggled to close out big events, most recently falling into second place on the final day of the PGA Championship in August.
He’s also missed significant time dealing with personal issues, as he left tour in mid-2014 and missed seven moths. Golf.com reported at the time that he had failed a third test for drugs (two for cocaine and one for marijuana.)
Johnson’s win also came with his brother, Austin, on the bag.
Caddying for your brother as he wins the Masters must be an incredible feeling.
Austin Johnson soaked it all in after Dustin's final putt in Augusta. pic.twitter.com/aECNedCL1w
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 15, 2020
Here’s the moment Johnson received his jacket from Woods.
The Green Jacket belongs to Dustin Johnson. #themasters pic.twitter.com/no3mbiOuQk
— The Masters (@TheMasters) November 15, 2020
Man. Even all these months after it was supposed to be played, the Masters gave us so much magic. Again.
