Johnson arrives for U.S. Open after birth of child

[June 14, 2017]  By Steve Keating

ERIN, Wisconsin (Reuters) - World number one Dustin Johnson arrived at Erin Hills to defend his U.S. Open crown and was out late on Tuesday practicing on the course.

Johnson had said he would not travel to Erin Hills until the birth of his second child with his expectant partner Paulina Gretzky.

Media reported that Gretzky had given birth to a boy, and ESPN reporter Ian O'Connor tweeted a picture of a newborn on Tuesday saying, "Meet the beautiful baby boy of Paulina Gretzky & Dustin Johnson. Name to come."

The 32-year-old American was a late arrival at the sprawling Erin Hills course and was seen out practicing on Tuesday, heading for the 10th tee at about 6:30 pm (2330 GMT).

Johnson will be grouped with Jordan Spieth and Martin Kaymer, the two previous U.S. Open winners, starting from the 10th tee at 8:35 AM CT (1335 GMT) in Thursday’s opening round.

At last year's U.S. Open at Oakmont, Johnson won by three shots for his first major championship despite being hit with a controversial one-shot penalty for the accidental movement of his ball on the fifth green during the final round.

For a time it looked as if Johnson might miss his second consecutive major.

Dustin Johnson looks down the first fairway from the tee box during a practice round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Erin Hills. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

He was forced withdraw from the U.S. Masters in April after injuring his back in fall at his Augusta residence.

(Editing by Larry Fine)

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