Johnson named PGA Player of the Year

Miami - Dustin Johnson was named PGA Tour Player of the Year on Tuesday following a breakthrough season which saw him land a first major before helping the USA to victory in the Ryder Cup.

The 32-year-old, who has worked his way to the upper echelons of his sport after overcoming personal problems, was chosen for the award after a ballot by fellow professionals on the tour.

"His hard work on the golf course and in the gym paid off with the finest season of his career and the member vote reflects the respect his peers have for him," PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said.

Johnson's season saw him win the US Open as well as the lucrative World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational and BMW Championship.

In 22 starts, the world number two posted 15 top-10 finishes and made 21 cuts.

Johnson has won at least one PGA Tour event in nine consecutive seasons dating back to his rookie year in 2008 -- the longest active streak on the Tour.

Johnson's triumphant 2016 campaign came just two years after he took a voluntary sabbatical through the second half of 2014 following a reported positive test for cocaine.