• Crowne Plaza Invitational

Davis patient for first PGA Tour crown

Brian Davis's honesty has made him a sentimental favourite © Getty Images

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Englishman Brian Davis doesn't fear becoming the latest 'nearly-man' of the PGA Tour despite narrowly missing out on the Crowne Plaza Invitational title on Sunday.

Davis fell three strokes short of a rampant Zach Johnson, who broke the course record to finish 21-under-par, making it his second runner-up in quick succession after his infamous play-off loss to Jim Furyk at the Verizon Heritage last month.

Davis put honour before success in that tournament when he admitted to clipping a loose twig as he took a shot on a play-off hole, costing himself a two-stroke penalty and any chance at victory.

Luck was against Davis once more as Johnson putted his way to an extraordinary victory when his 18-under would have been good enough to win almost any other year. But he remains philosophical about his hunt for an elusive first PGA Tour title.

"Obviously, I had a chance today," Davis said. "I just couldn't get over the hump. Zach played great today. He won the tournament. I didn't lose it.

"It's one of those things. I remember when they were all jumping on Padraig Harrington's back a couple of years ago in Europe, because he finished runner-up nine times. What are they doing now? He's one of the best players in the world."

In addition to his ethical masterclass last month, Davis is a sentimental favourite due to his brave recovery from three bouts of skin cancer. But he rejects the notion that the universe 'owes him' a tournament victory.

"A few people have said that," said Davis, who has also had to overcome serious illness within his immediate family in recent years. "I don't look at it like that."

He's also not in the mood to blame the rain delays that affected Sunday's play for his failure to overcome Johnson.

"It's a distraction for everyone," Davis said. "It's not exactly the first time. It's just one of those things. It wasn't my day. I've got to try to take the positives from it and get ready for next week.

"The icing on the cake would be to be lifting the trophy right now. That's the ultimate goal. If I keep knocking on the door, the door will open. No doubt there will be a few wins. Coming out this year, I struggled early with the grooves. It was hit or miss up until March, and I was starting to get a bit worried for things. I'm delighted, though, with the way I've bounced back."

Johnson spoke of his delight at his record-setting effort on a course that also gave up unprecedented numbers of sub-70 rounds.

"There's a reason why I love playing here and I keep coming back," Johnson said. "It does suit me as far as shot-making goes, and certainly the bent grass, which I grew up on. I just feel honored."

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