Canadian Open winner Jhonattan Vegas believes fending off world No.1 Dustin Johnson is the perfect confidence boost ahead of the year's final major championship.
The 32-year-old Vegas became the first player to successfully defend the Canadian title in 10 years with a nail-biting sudden-death playoff defeat of Charley Hoffman at Glen Abbey golf course.
And with this week's World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio the final hit-out before the US PGA Championship in two weeks, Venezuela's Vegas says he's ready to claim one of golf's four majors.
"It's really exciting to come into the WGC and PGA Championship in such good form. Positive vibes will go a long way and if I can do it (at a PGA Tour event), I feel can do it in a major championship," Vegas told AAP.
Vegas fired a brilliant seven-under-par 65 to join American Hoffman (68) at 21-under in regulation, before defeating the American with a birdie on the first hole of sudden-death - the par-5 18th.
While English veteran Ian Poulter sizzled with a 64 to take outright third at 20-under, Vegas says his biggest scalp was big-hitting Johnson.
Johnson, who started 2017 with three wins in as many starts including consecutive WGC titles, led the Canadian Open in driving distance (averaging 316 yards) and stormed home with a 67 to finish tied for eighth at 17-under.
"DJ is No.1 player in the world. I've been able to win the Canadian Open twice with him in the field, which makes it even more special," said Vegas.
"Obviously, winning a major championship is going to be a lot harder because the field is so much stronger but having a win fresh in my head as I tee it up at a major is fantastic."
Meanwhile, Australian teenager Ryan Ruffels tumbled out of contention with a 76.
After starting the final day three shots off the pace, 19-year-old Victorian finished in a tie for 32nd at 10-under.
The Melbourne native dropped eight shots in 14 holes but rallied with an eagle and two birdies in his closing three holes.
"It's really disappointing, but it was tough with Sunday pins and Sunday nerves. I'm happy with my finish; it showed me I'm learning how to fight out here on Tour," said Ruffels.
Ruffels was the leading Australian, with countrymen Cameron Percy (73, three-under) sharing 70th and Brett Drewitt (77, one-over) alone in last place.
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