Redemption! - Dustin Johnson Claims the BMW Championship After a Summer of Disappointment

~ Moving Forward: Dustin Johnson Collects His Fourth PGA TOUR Victory at the BMW Championship ~

Throughout the past few months, Dustin Johnson has become more well-known for the graciousness and class he has recently displayed, in spite of continuous defeats in some of golf's most significant championships, than for his PGA TOUR victories and overwhelming potential for golfing greatness.

For Johnson, the summer of 2010 was about to be remembered only for the heartbreaks, close calls, and bad luck that he endured at the U.S. Open and PGA Championship.

However, that all changed after he fired a closing round of 69 for a one-stroke victory over Paul Casey at the BMW Championship, the third leg of the season-ending $35 million FedEx Cup playoff format, which was hosted at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont, Illinois.

With the victory, Johnson now has a chance to win the fourth annual FedEx Cup, as well as $10 million, depending on his play at next week's TOUR Championship. He is currently ranked second in the FedEx Cup standings, trailing only Matt Kuchar.

Back in June, Johnson held a three stroke lead prior to the final round of the U.S. Open, which was contested at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Johnson had already attained two of his PGA TOUR victories at the course in the past.

Nevertheless, with a final round of 82, Johnson did not only miss out on an opportunity to win his first major championship, but to also obtain status as one of golf's brightest talents and to claim his place in the history books.

Two months later, Johnson appeared to be ready for redemption at the PGA Championship, which was contested at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. Yet, he received a two-stroke penalty on the final hole of the tournament when he did not realize that he was in a bunker and grounded his club. Johnson finished one stroke behind Martin Kaymer and Bubba Watson, who eventually competed for the championship during a three-hole playoff.

Although Johnson handled each of his major championship dissapointments with an utmost level of class and dignity, each of the losses were likely still on his mind as he defeated Casey for the BMW Championship.

“To finally get it done, especially after all the things I’ve gone through this summer … it can’t feel any better,” said Johnson, upon winning the BMW Championship.

At long last, Johnson finally received the tournament victory that he had been longing for throughout the last couple months.

Now, as Johnson prepares for an exciting finish to the FedEx Cup playoffs, as well as the upcoming Ryder Cup matches, his fans and opponents alike will not be surprised if his story of redemption continues not only during regular season PGA TOUR events, but future major championships as well.

Johnson's perseverance, calm demeanor, and outerworldly talent will likely pay dividends during the coming years, especially as he strives to have his name etched on each of golf's four greatest sets of hardware.

Dustin Johnson's PGA TOUR Victories

2008 Turning Stone Resort Championship
2009 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
2010 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
2010 BMW Championship

2010 FedEx Cup Standings (As of September 12th)

1.) Matt Kuchar
2.) Dustin Johnson
3.) Charley Hoffman
4.) Steve Stricker
5.) Paul Casey