(CNN) It may have arrived in controversial fashion but Dustin Johnson described his first major triumph at the U.S. Open as a "monkey off his back."
The new world No. 3 overcame a one-stroke penalty awarded in bizarre fashion to secure a three-shot victory at Oakmont.
Johnson called an official while on the fifth green during his final round after his ball appeared to move. The 31-year-old insisted he hadn't caused the ball to move, which would've incurred a penalty, and playing partner Lee Westwood also absolved the American of any blame.
Read: Johnson clinches U.S. Open despite penalty
Leading the field, Johnson was informed on the 12th tee that a decision on the incident wouldn't be made until he had completed his round.
2016 U.S. Open
Dustin Johnson holds his winner's trophy alongside Jack Nicklaus after winning the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club on Sunday, June 19, in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
Johnson of the United States celebrates with partner Paulina Gretzky and son Tatum on June 19.
Johnson celebrates with caddie Austin Johnson on June 19.
Johnson reacts after making a birdie on the 18th hole on June 19.
Scott Piercy waves after finishing the 18th hole on June 19.
Shane Lowry watches his tee shot on the 14th hole on June 19.
Sergio Garcia of Spain plays out of the bunker on the 16th hole on June 19.
Shane Lowry celebrates his putt on the 18th during the third round on June 19.
Andrew Landry hits from the fairway on the 15th hole on June 19.
Gregory Bourdy takes his shot out of the bunker on the 18th hole on June 19.
Jordan Spieth plays a tee shot on the 18th hole during the continuation of the second round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club on Saturday, June 18, in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
Rory McIlroy reacts after leaving his first bunker shot in the sand on the ninth hole during the second round on June 18.
Rickie Fowler his tee shot on the ninth hole during the second round on June 18.
Shane Lowry reacts after making a birdie on the ninth hole during the second round on June 18.
Dustin Johnson hits a shot on the third hole during the second round on Friday, June 17.
Adam Scott of Australia hits his tee shot on the fifth hole during the second round on June 17.
Sergio Garcia watches his tee shot on the eighth hole during the second round on June 17.
Phil Mickelson hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the second round on June 17.
Sergio Garcia of Spain hits his tee shot on the fourth hole during the continuation of the weather-delayed first round on June 17.
Max Kieffer of Germany lines up his putt on the 18th hole during the rain delayed first round on June 17.
Gregory Bourdy of France plays his shot from the 11th tee during the first round on Thursday, June 16.
Jordan Spieth of the United States plays a shot from the Church Pews on the 15th hole during the first round on June 16.
Kevin Streelman watches his tee shot on the 14th hole during the first round on June 16.
Andrew Landry watches his tee shot on the seventh hole during the first round on June 16.
Although he was penalized, Johnson's lead over Ireland's Shane Lowry and compatriots Jim Furyk and Scott Piercy was such that it had no impact on the outcome of the tournament.
"I just tried to focus on each shot, not worry about what had happened," Johnson told CNN. "Whether I got the penalty or not, ultimately it didn't matter."
Johnson's win, which came at his 29th career major, was warmly received by fellow pros Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy -- who both tweeted their congratulations.
"To finally put it all together on a Sunday and get that first major championship is absolutely huge," added Johnson, who has suffered heartbreak at golf's biggest events in the past.
In 2010, Johnson missed out on a place in a playoff at the U.S. PGA Championship as a result of a penalty.
He also led the field at the halfway point of last year's British Open, only to fall away over the weekend.
"It's a huge monkey off my back. Especially with all the near misses I've had in a lot of majors in the last few years," he said.
"This one is definitely going to be special in my heart forever."
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