Johnson pips Matteson in sudden death

AMERICAN Zach Johnson birdied the second hole of a sudden death play-off to beat compatriot Troy Matteson and capture the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois, late on Sunday night, then boarded a charter plane to fly to the Open.

It was the second PGA Tour title of the year for the 2007 Masters champion, who celebrated his ninth career win with hugs from his children on the 18th green before beginning his journey to Lytham.

“It just feels awesome. I can’t really put it into words,” said Johnson, who is on the board of the directors for the John Deere tournament. “This tournament has meant so much to me and my family over the years. I don’t know if you can rank any of them (titles). They’re all so ultimately special.

“Augusta is Augusta, you really can’t push anything past that, but I am really going to enjoy this one because this is supremely special.”

Three-time defending champion Steve Stricker had been well positioned to make a late charge for a fourth consecutive crown, but watched his chances disappear with back-to-back bogeys at 14 and 15.