Another near-miss for Johnson
Dustin Johnson made it an unfortunate hat-trick of major championship near-misses when he had to settle for a share of second place in the 140th Open Championship on Sunday.
The big-hitting American, who also went close to breaking through at last year's US Open and US PGA Championship, was left to rue an expensive double-bogey seven after going out of bounds with his second shot at the long 14th on Sunday.
"If I had to do it over again I'd hit a three-wood instead of a two-iron there," the 27-year-old told reporters after a 72 for 278 -- two under par -- meant he finished three shots behind winner Darren Clarke of Britain.
"But I was two off the lead...and out here you don't get too many opportunities to make birdie," he said after his second shot sliced wildly right of its intended target.
The 6-foot-4 Johnson was also less than satisfied with his performance on the greens after another bogey at the last slipped him back for tie for second at Royal St George's with US Ryder Cup partner Phil Mickelson.
"I played well enough maybe to get it done today but just didn't hole the putts at the right time," said the 27-year-old.
Johnson, who recorded a hole-in-one at the 163-yard, par-three 16th in Thursday's first round, was unwell at the start of the tournament and on a course of antibiotics.
"I think I had a great week," he said. "I came down with a little bit of illness, wasn't feeling that well, so I didn't know what to expect.
"I didn't have my best stuff for sure but I hung in there and just fought."
Johnson led by three shots going into the final round of the 2010 US Open only to balloon to a closing 82.
In the PGA Championship two months later he missed another excellent chance by incurring a controversial two-shot penalty for grounding his club in loose sand - deemed a bunker by officials - at the 72nd hole.
"Like I say all the time, the more I put myself in this situation the better," said Johnson.
"The more I learn, the more I understand my game and what happens in these situations."