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Dustin Johnson focused on staying world No 1 after Genesis Open win

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Dustin Johnson reflects on moving to world No 1 with a convincing victory at the Genesis Open

Dustin Johnson is looking to cement his place as world No 1 after moving top of the world rankings for the first time at the Genesis Open.

The 32-year-old cruised to a five-shot win at Riviera Country Club, ending Jason Day's 11-month stint at the top of the standings.

Johnson has been inside the world's top 10 since winning the 2015 WGC-Cadillac Championship and closed the gap on top spot with three wins last year.

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - FEBRUARY 19:  Dustin Johnson reacts to his putt on the 13th hole during a continuation of the third round at the Genesis Open at Ri
Image: Johnson mixed three birdies with as many bogeys during his final round

The American then posted top-six finishes in three of his first four worldwide events of 2017 before victory in California, making him the 20th world No 1 since the rankings began.

"It has been a long journey," Johnson told the media on Sunday. "Growing up as a kid playing golf, I never really thought about being No 1 in the world.

Johnson's Genesis victory
Johnson's Genesis victory

Highlights from DJ's Genesis Open victory

"Once I got on tour and started winning some and got up in inside the top 10 in the world, I knew it was definitely doable and here I am.

"So it's going to just push me to just keep working harder and stay there."

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PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - FEBRUARY 18:  Dustin Johnson plays his shot from the 13th tee during a continuation of the third round at the Genesis Open at Rivie
Image: Johnson has now won at least one tournament in each of his opening 10 seasons on the PGA Tour

Johnson held a one-shot lead at the halfway stage before extending his advantage to five strokes with a seven-under 64 on Sunday morning.

The US Open champion increased his cushion to eight strokes with a fast start to his final round, but closed with a level-par 71 after carding three bogeys in the back nine of his victory procession.

PGA Tour Golf

"Today was a long day but sometimes 36-hole days are good," Johnson added. "To finally get a win at the Genesis Open feels good.

"I've finished second here a couple times, lost in a play-off and felt like I should have won a couple other times.

"It's definitely nice to win on a golf course that I really enjoy playing and a golf tournament I really enjoy playing."

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