Johnson’s title as unlucky McIlroy suffers bogey blues at last

There was a soggy end to Rory McIlroy’s bid for victory in Memphis but the US Open champion will begin his title defence on Thursday with confidence restored after ending a run of three missed cuts.

After an early exit from the Memorial Tournament, McIlroy had made a late decision to change his schedule and play the FedEx St Jude Classic and his return to form at TPC Southwind vindicated the call as he contended for 71 holes. The Irishman’s victory bid came undone at the 72nd which he double bogeyed after his tee shot found water with American Dustin Johnson claiming victory in just his second start since returning from a back injury.

Johnson finished birdie-birdie-par to win the last tournament before the US Open at nine under par following a closing round of 66, one shot clear of fellow American John Merrick, with compatriots Chad Campbell, Davis Love III and Ryan Palmer and Australian Nick O’Hern on seven under.