An unsavoury final round is mired with controversy but Johnson is deserving winner

It should have been a back nine to savour as Shane Lowry and Dustin Johnson battled it out. But the USGA succeeded in killing the atmosphere of their national open with the uncertainty of the Johnson penalty situation. The organisers of the U.S. Open have a lot to answer for and were fortunate that the American saved them from further embarrassment with his three-shot victory.

The 31-year-old showed terrific mental strength to overcome the uncertainty of the situation. Given his heartbreak in the past and tough times with the rules at Whistling Straits in 2010, it was a triumph for persistence. As for Lowry, it was not to be his day but he will have learnt a lot from his experience. It may not mean much to him now, but he can still be very proud of a tied second finish in the U.S. Open, and a performance that will not only give him confidence, but key ranking points for both the Olympics and Ryder Cup.