17 Jul 2012

Johnson wins in sudden death playoff

6:24 am on 17 July 2012

The American golfer Zach Johnson has won the John Deere Classic tournament in Illnois beating compatriot Troy Matteson on the second sudden death playoff hole.

Matteson had led after each of the first three rounds but carded a 20 under par total before Johnson prevailed on the second playoff hole with an incredible shot from the fairway bunker to seal the win.

The New Zealand number one Danny Lee climbed 30 places in the final round after firing a five under par 66 at course in Illinois.

The 21-year-old Korean born Lee, who is projected to climb to 148 in the Fed Ex Cup Standings, made seven birdies and two bogeys to finish tied 30th and 10 shots back from Johnson and Matteson.

The former World No.1 amateur has now made the cut in nine out of 17 events and been disqualified twice in his maiden year on the PGA Tour.

Meanwhile New Zealand's Ben Campbell is in a share of thirteenth place at The Players Amateur in South Carolina heading into the final round.

On the web.com Tour, formerly the Nationwide Tour, Manawatu professional Tim Wilkinson dropped 12 places in the final round of the Utah Championship to finish tied 29th.