Dustin Johnson heading for No 1 spot in

California as he leads Genesis Open by one

FROM THE US PGA TOUR
PACIFIC PALISADES, California – Notes and observations from Saturday’s play at the US PGA Tour's Genesis Open, with Dustin Johnson leading by one stroke after two rain-delayed rounds. Tournament officials hope to finish the final two rounds on Sunday. For more Saturday coverage, click here for the Daily Wrap-up.

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A NEW NO. 1?

Dustin Johnson is 36 holes -- and 24 hours – away from becoming the world’s top-ranked golfer. Pretty cool, right? The only thing is, he hasn’t exactly obsessed over it.

“Obviously I would like to be the best in the world,” said Johnson, currently No. 3 behind Jason Day and Rory McIlroy. “But how you get there is winning golf tournaments. If I win this week and I happen to get to No. 1, great. I’ll definitely be excited, be proud.

“But I’ve got to take care of this week first.”

If Johnson wins the Genesis Open and Day finishes in a three-way tie for third or worse, then Johnson moves to No. 1 for the first time in his career. Day started the third round tied for 40th at 2 under, eight shots behind Johnson, who has shot a pair of 66s this week at Riviera.

Another potential milestone: It would be the 10th consecutive season since Johnson turned pro that he’s won at least one TOUR event, extending the longest active streak on TOUR.

To do so, he’ll need to play 36 holes on Sunday, since the leaders were unable to start their third rounds before dusk on Saturday.

“Tomorrow’s going to be a long day,” Johnson said, “but as long as we’ve got nice weather, we’ll get it done.” 

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CHASING DUSTIN

Most TOUR pros are used to being outdistanced by Dustin Johnson off the tee. His primary chasers Sunday are no exception.
Pat Perez averages 294 yards off the tee, ranking him T-80 in driving distance this season. Cameron Tringale averages 277.9 yards, ranking 193rd. Johnson, meanwhile, averages 314.4 yards, second-highest behind Luke List.
Yet Perez and Tringale are tied for second, one shot behind Johnson through 36 holes.
“Tomorrow with Dustin, he’ll hit 50 yards by me like usual,” Perez said. “That’s actually something that’s easy for me because I don’t have to worry about trying to keep up with him.
“I know his game real well … I know my game even better. I’m going to have to play amazing tomorrow to catch him.”
Tringale won’t get caught up trying to stay close to Johnson in the fairway. “Just keep doing what I’m doing,” he said, “trying to have some fun out there.”

TO VIEW THE SCOREBOARD

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Some GB and I scores

136 Luke Donald (Eng) 68 68 (T7)

138 Martin Laird (Sco) 70 68 (T17)

139 Padraig Harrington (Ire) 67 72, Graeme McDowell (NIre) 69 70 (T27)

140 Justin Rose (Eng) 69 71 (T36).