Johnson to represent USA in 2010 Ryder Cup
Johnson was an automatic qualifier for the team after finishing sixth in the Ryder Cup standings based upon his PGA Tour performance during the 2010 season, a performance that has vaulted the Myrtle Beach resident into the elite of professional golf.
Johnson posted Top 15 finishes in three Major Championships this summer including the PGA Championship in August where an unpopular rule interpretation on the last hole denied Johnson a chance to win, but earned him national support from fans. He has two tournament titles to his credit during the season, the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro Am in February and the BMW Championship in early September and ranks 4th on the PGA Tour Money List.
"I am extremely proud of Dustin automatically making the Ryder Cup team," said Coastal Carolina head men's golf coach Allen Terrell. "In just three years, he has already proved to be one of the top players in the USA. It is humbling to think he was wearing the `CCU Teal' just 3 years ago and now he will be wearing the `Red, White and Blue' representing the USA in one of the biggest sporting events in the world.”
Johnson, the first Chanticleer to make a Ryder Cup team, has represented the US before in similar settings. In 2006, he played for the American team in the US versus Japan Cup. Then, in 2007, he played in both the Palmer Cup and Walker Cup, helping the American team to a pair of victories.
Played since 1927, the Ryder Cup is the most prestigious team event in golf and pits the U.S. versus a select team of Europeans. Its staged every two years with the venue alternating between the two. The event runs through Sunday, Oct. 3 and features national television coverage on ESPN and NBC.