American Zach Johnson shot a five-under 65 to win the Sony Open and collect his fifth career PGA Tour victory.

“It was a different win,” Johnson said. “The wind was a little gusty times. I feel fortunate to have come out on top.”

Johnson finished at 15-under-par 165 yesterday for a two-shot win over Australian Adam Scott who shot a final round six-under 64. American David Toms finished in a tie with Scott at 13-under 267.

American Charles Howell was fourth at 12-under 268.

Johnson entered yesterday's final round with a one-shot lead but was in a three-way tie at the turn.

He started the back nine with consecutive birdies and added two more at Nos. 14 and 18 to wrap up his win.

The 2007 Masters champion, Johnson picked up 972,000 dollars for the win and now has a victory in three consecutive seasons.

“I am encouraged with the way I started off this year,” Johnson said. “It is good to know that the work I put in is paying off. I am thankful for that.

“The progress and the road to get to this is what is enjoyable.”

Toms birdied 18 to close within one and Scott made a late charge playing a few groups in front and closed with birdies at Nos. 13, 16 and 18.

Johnson closed out the win with his third birdie of the week at the par-five 18th. He had an eagle putt from 33 feet that he lagged to about 18 inches and his easy birdie wrapped up a successful trip to the islands after a tie for sixth at the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship last week.

Hawaiian favourite Tadd Fujikawa had one of the largest galleries following him yesterday.

He made the cut and moved into contention with a third round 62 but stumbled to a three over 73.

“I didn't happen today,” Fujikawa said. “I couldn't get anything going.

“I went out there with same mind set to be aggressive but play smart.”

Fujikawa said he will take some positives away from this experience.

“I learned how to stay focussed,” he said. “Playing under these pressure conditions is a different feeling.

“It's tough when you can't make any putts but it was a great weak … from not being in the tournament to qualifying and then making the cut.”

South Africans Tim Clark and Rory Sabbatini were tied for 12th at 7-under. Ernie Els finished at 4-under.

AFP

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