“It all started out with that first day. I made that hole-in-one and all of a sudden I felt like I could make some birdies. I haven’t had that feeling for a while,” said Johnson, who had struggled the last few years on tour.  Make some birdies he did, enough to record his first PGA tour victory in a finish during which nine players had an opportunity to win the Milwaukee event. Mr. Johnson birdied three of his last four holes to shoot 64 and win by a stroke over Ken Duke.  He became the seventh first time winner on tour this year.

Mr. Duke shot a final round 65 and remained a non winner on the tour.  “I holed a couple of putts on him early, but he holed a couple back on me,” Duke said. “I had a great week. Shoot 5-under on Sunday and just get beat by one. You got to take your hat off to him.”  Indeed you do.  Mr. Johnson hit good shots and made important putts all down the stretch. 

Kenny Perry , whom some have criticized for skipping the Open Championship, finished with a 64 of his own and a tie for sixth. “I accomplished my goal,” Perry said. “I wanted to top 10 it. I told my people, I told my friends. I said, ‘If I can just go there and have a good top 10, I’ve accomplished my mission.”’  With his announced goal of making the Ryder Cup team he indeed had a successful week.  Personally I don’t comprehend the criticism of his decision.  Made a goal, reached goal, no need to change plans just because other people believe he’s slighted the game in some fashion by choosing to play in Milwaukee rather than England.  The folks in Milwaukee are certainly glad he showed up, as were the US Bank sponsers. 

Mr.Johnson started the day one behind 54 hole leaders Gavin Coles and Nick Flanagan.  Those two deserving players stumbled around in even par 70 on a day when the rest of the field was posting under par scores.  While no where near as disheartening as Greg Norman’s demise in the Open Championship, still a failure to close the deal when stellar play the first three days has provided the opportunity to win.  Also unlike Mr Norman’s failure these two gentlemen have the opportunity to learn from their experience. 

As for Mr. Johnson, he goes home as the sixth Swede to win on the PGA tour stage.  He’ll take my congratulations with him.