American Heckler Bests European Pros In Challenge Putt, Wins $100
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- An amazing putt was was made Thursday at the Ryder Cup in Chaska -- and a pro wasn't behind the putter.
Rory Mcilroy, Justin Rose and Andy Sullivan each missed putts on the eight hole of Hazeltine National Golf Club.
"Andy Sullivan took it about four times, couldn't put it down," said a British spectator.
North Dakota's David Johnson decided to throw out a challenge.
"Couple guys tried two or three times to make the putt, and I said 'I could make the putt,' just yelled out," Johnson said.
To his surprise, Johnson was called to the green, causing the crowd to go wild. He was given a short putter and told to prove it. Then Justin Rose added some pressure -- with a $100 bill.
"They threw it down and kind of looked at me like 'No way, not a chance,'" Johnson said.
In blue jeans and sneakers, he measured it up, stepped away and the gallery went silent.
He sunk the shot, and the crowd's roar could be heard across Hazeltine. The gallery went nuts, and Johnson was met with high fives and hugs.
"I struck the putt way too hard, but I had the break right, so I got lucky," he said.
It is safe to say he will never make a bigger putt. But he's got the $100 and three balls to prove it.
"It really made the Ryder Cup for me," Johnson said.
Does the fact that it was three Europeans who gave him the chance at glory mean he will switch allegiance?
"I'm not going to answer that [laughs]!" Johnson said.
He is an eight-to-14-handicap golfer from Mayville, North Dakota.
The video went viral because McIlroy put his own video on Facebook and Twitter.
