Golf-Johnson beats Driscoll in playoff for Texas Open title

HOUSTON, May 17 (Reuters) - Zach Johnson rolled in a 12-foot putt to birdie the first sudden death playoff hole against fellow-American James Driscoll on Sunday and win the Texas Open in San Antonio for the second year in a row.

Johnson and Driscoll, tied on 15-under-par 265 after 72 holes at LaCantera Golf Club's Resort Course, settled the title on the 18th hole.

Early starter Driscoll fired an eight-under-par 62 in the final round and waited about two hours to find himself in a playoff against 2007 Masters champion Johnson, who shot 70.

Johnson registered a brilliant 10-under-par 60 in Saturday's weather-interrupted third round.

One stroke away from joining the playoff were Americans Bill Haas and Paul Goydos, who led the field by one stroke through 70 holes before a bogey-bogey finish.

Johnson's victories came seven months apart as last year's tournament was held in October.

It was the second triumph of the year for Johnson, who also won the Sony Open in Hawaii.

(Writing by Larry Fine, Editing by John Mehaffey; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)