Dustin Johnson birdied the 18th hole Sunday afternoon to capture the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for the second year in a row.  This time he got to play all 72 holes and finish in front of actual spectators.  For those who don't remember, last year Mr. Johnson was declared the winner on Monday morning while at breakfast having managed only 54 holes.  Coastal weather in February being what it is, tournament results are sometimes unconventionally determined.  Not only did he get the opportunity to hold the trophy with the legendary Clint Eastwood, but he joined some other illustrious company as well. 

The only other repeat winners of this event are Sam Snead, Cary Middlecoff, Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, and Mark O'Meara. “That’s not a bad list,” Mr. Johnson said. “Anytime you’re on a list with those guys, you’re doing all right.” Not too bad for just beginning your third year on the tour.  Oh and he did manage to pick up a check for just north of $1 million, move atop the FedEx Cup points race, and launch himself into second place in Ryder Cup points.  Other than that, just another day in the life, eh.

Beginning the day tied with Paul Goydos in the final group, Mr. Johnson promptly lost the lead with a bogey on the first hole.  He would gain back, and lose, the top position two other times.  Mr. Goydos has gained notoriety the last several years for being in contention on numerous occasions, even winning once in 2007.  I always get the feeling. when watching him during the final round of events in which he's leading or close to leading, something truly disastrous is about to happen.  Sure enough, on the 14th hole he had to whack the ball nine times to get it into the hole.  Goodbye lead, so long boat load of cash, and welcome to another saga.  “It wasn’t like I didn’t try on all nine shots,”  Pretty much says it all.

J.B. Holmes and David Duval finished one shot back tied for second place.  Mr. Holmes had makeable putts on the 17th and 18th holes, but couldn't manage to make either of them.  “Would have liked it to end a little better for me, but I had a good week,” Mr. Holmes said after a 71. “Had my chances.”  This was his second top three finish in the last two weeks, which is quite an improvement from a guy who couldn't putt at all last year.  He's another tour player who has taken putting tips from Dave Stockton recently.  Mr. Stockton is probably most famous for assisting Phil Mickelson with his putting woes in recent months.  Time will tell if we'll see a book from Mr. Stockton much like we saw from another putting guru Stan Utley. 

As for Mr. Duval, it was exciting to see him work his ball around the course Sunday.  He stated to the press that "big things" were coming after his opening round 67 at Spyglass Hill.  Indeed, he shot all four rounds in the 60's for the first time since the Buick Challenge in 2001.  I have always been a David Duval fan.  He could really play golf, and he always had other aspects of life that drew his attention.  Remember the grief tossed his way when he went snowboarding when others thought he should be dedicating himself to his game?  And the exercise kick he went on, dropping a lot of weight and chiseling his physique.  Wearing wrap around shades was always good for attracting abuse concerning aloofness while explanations about eye allergies were deemed hooie.  I like this guy even more today, not because he finished second but because he put himself into uncomfortable positions and ignored all the naysayers.  He kept saying he knew he could find his game again and he kept trying to do that in very public venues.  All the while saying I'm getting there, I'm encouraged, this will happen.  Say what you will about him, but Mr. Duval has the toughest mind in the game today.  Yes even tougher than Tiger Woods, who's only know experiencing mentally tough stuff in having to examine who and what he really is and what needs to be done to correct his faults.  Anyone who has suffered active addition understands what Mr. Woods is going through.  I am rooting for Mr. Duval's continued improvement.  Golf could use a great story, and his is a great story.  If he makes it back into the winner's circle the superlatives would fly so fast and furious someone will probably get hurt.  Jim Nance would speak in hushed, conspiratorial tones accompanied by the Master's music for the rest of his days.  Oh glorious rapture!  Sorry, just a little carried away.  I would really enjoy seeing a sports epic.

My apologies to Mr. Johnson for getting carried away.  Congratulations on the historic win.  Many more in the future.