(REUTERS) – Martin Kaymer overcame Bubba Watson in a three-hole play-off to win the US PGA Championship after Dustin Johnson’s controversial two-shot penalty dropped him out of a share of the lead after 72 holes. After officials ruled on Johnson’s transgression at a bunker on the 18th hole, Kaymer went on to clinch the prized Wanamaker Trophy over three extra holes at Whistling Straits.
Watson holed a three-foot birdie putt at the first extra hole, the par four 10th, but Kaymer immediately responded by sinking a 15-footer to birdie the treacherous 223-yard 17th.
The German then sealed victory in the year’s final Major with a bogey at the par-four 18th after both players found the right rough off the tee.
The long-hitting Watson struck his second shot into a creek guarding the front of the green on the way to a double bogey. Kaymer laid up with his second shot and struck his third to 15 feet before two-putting for the title.
The 25-year-old from Dusseldorf removed his cap to acknowledge the roars from the crowd packed around the green before walking across to shake hands with Watson.
Kaymer became only the second German to win a Major title, compatriot Bernhard Langer having won the US Masters in 1985 and 1993.
Johnson had finished level with the duo after the 72 regulation holes on 11-under-par 277 but was adjudged by officials to have grounded his club in a bunker before playing his second shot at the 18th.
Watson, who returned a 68, and Kaymer, after a 70, went into the play-off with each of them competing for a maiden Major title.
It was the first play-off in the year’s final Major since Fiji’s Vijay Singh edged out Americans Justin Leonard and Chris DiMarco at Whistling Straits in 2004.
Six players held at least a share of the lead during Sunday’s final round and six were still in the title hunt with just three holes remaining before the championship went into a play-off.
Kaymer’s victory made him the sixth first-time winner in the last seven Majors with Phil Mickelson’s emotional victory at the US Masters in April the sole exception.