GOLF: Zach Johnson wins Kaulig by 6 for first senior major crown

Zach Johnson closed the Kaulig Companies Championship in impressive fashion, making birdies on his final three holes to secure his first senior major championship title by six strokes on Sunday in Akron, Ohio.

Johnson carded a 2-under-par 68 in the final round, enough to protect the four-shot lead he carried into the day. He finished the tournament at 15-under 265, while Boo Weekley and Slovakia’s Rory Sabbatini finished well behind in second and third place, respectively. Weekley ended at 9-under after a final-round 66, while Sabbatini finished at 8-under after also shooting a 66.

Stewart Cink placed fourth at 7-under after a 68, while George McNeill, Ben Crane, and Australian Cameron Percy shared fifth place at 6-under. Cink had been seeking his third senior major championship of the year.

The victory marked another milestone for Johnson, who won the Masters Tournament in 2007 and the Open Championship in 2015 during his PGA Tour career. Playing his first event at Firestone Country Club since joining the PGA Tour Champions, Johnson turned 50 in February and has already captured three titles on the senior circuit.

Before the final round, Johnson said he felt confident and at peace with his game regardless of the outcome.

“I mean that in the sense that regardless of what happens today, my game’s good, scorecard’s irrelevant,” Johnson said. “I just know I’m at peace with whatever comes my way, and I mean that sincerely.”

Johnson entered Sunday’s round after a dominant third-round 63 that moved him into the lead. He recorded two bogeys and two birdies over his first six holes and remained even for the day before making a birdie on the 11th hole. However, he followed that with bogeys on Nos. 12 and 13 after missing the green on both holes.

“It was hard today,” Johnson said. “Hitting the middle of the face on the driver and not even coming close to hitting fairways is not something I’m accustomed to. But golf’s hard, and I was off. There’s no other explanation other than I was off.”

Despite his struggles, Johnson maintained control as no challenger could close the gap. Weekley and Sabbatini were four strokes behind when Johnson saved par from a bunker on the par-3 15th hole.

Johnson then finished strongly, making birdies on the par-5 16th and the par-4 17th and 18th holes. His final birdie came after he chipped in on the 18th, sealing the championship with a memorable finish.

“I feel very fortunate. I feel extremely blessed. The finish was ridiculous,” Johnson said.

Weekley, 52, and Sabbatini, 50, were also seeking their first senior major championship titles.

Weekley credited his strong putting and his caddie’s help with reading the greens for his runner-up finish.

“I didn’t hit many fairways the last two days, but I made a lot of putts. That’s what kept me in the game this week,” Weekley said.

Sabbatini also praised Firestone Country Club and expressed disappointment that the tournament will move to Newport Beach, California, next year under a new title sponsor.

“I’m disappointed. It’s sad to say that,” Sabbatini said. “You never know what the future holds. I know this golf course does mean a lot to the local economy and to the people here.”

Johnson’s victory adds another major championship to his career achievements and establishes him as one of the newest senior stars on the PGA Tour Champions. -Field Level Media/Reuters