(CNN) -- Patience is finally paying off for Dustin Johnson. One of the most naturally gifted golfers in the world, he feels he is now closer to fulfilling his promise after clinching the "biggest win" of his career in circumstances that might previously have proved too testing. The big-hitting 29-year-old claimed the $1.2 million first prize at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai on Sunday, winning his first World Golf Championships title by three shots after a sizzling finish. Next, he hopes, is the holy grail of any player -- a win at one of the four majors. "This is the biggest win of my career and hopefully there are better things to come. A major is always the next step," the American told reporters.
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Dustin Johnson wins the WGC-HSBC Champions tournament by three strokes Sunday
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American loses lead in first two holes of final round but plays last six in five under par
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Defending champion Ian Poulter finishes second ahead of Graeme McDowell
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McDowell closes gap on Race to Dubai standings leader Henrik Stenson
But it was gone inside two holes as he three-putted his first and @placeholder began with two birdies.