Stalwart Johnson wins Rex Open playoff
BY Bruce Young | Nationwide Tour | 2009 The Rex Hospital Open | Round Four | 01 Jun 2009
Nationwide Tour stalwart Kevin Johnson today won his fifth Nationwide title when he defeated Jeff Gallagher with a birdie at the first extra hole of a playoff to win the Rex Hospital Open in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Johnson who was a gifted amateur, winning the 1987 US Public Links Championship and securing a place on the 1988 Walker Cup side, has not achieved such greatness in the professional ranks but there have been some encouraging signs in recent weeks. He had played well in his last few events and after an opening round of 65 on Thursday he was always in the mix.
Gallagher appeared as if he might get the edge today when he birdied seven of his first 13 holes to move to 18 under and take a two shot lead but Johnson came back with birdies at the 13th and 18th to force the playoff.
David Mathis finished alone in third position.
Cameron Percy was the best of the Australians finishing in 7th position to record his third top ten of the season and moving into 14th position on the money list.
Scott Gardiner and Grant Waite were 14th, Adam Bland 23rd, Michael Sim 30th David McKenzie 47th, Andrew Buckle, Bradley Iles, who lead after 36 holes, was 67th and Won Joon Lee 70th.
Sim played well enough but could not match his recent heroics and his quest to win three events and advance to the PGA Tour will have to wait at least another week.
The Nationwide Tour now moves north to Maryland for this week’s Melwood Prince George’s County Open.
