Augusta, Ga. – Dustin Johnson answered Dustin Johnson the most when asked how he felt about Tiger Woods’ potential return at the 2022 Masters.
“It’s okay,” said the man of a few words, before asking to elaborate. “No, I mean, it’s going to be his first tournament in a long time. So obviously he’s one of the greats to play this game and especially in our era, so whenever he teases it, Especially after his injuries, he’s a lot of attention-getter, which is fine with me. I always like to slip a little under the radar.”
At 6-foot-4 with 24 PGA Tour victories and two major championships under his belt, it’s rare for Johnson to go unnoticed, especially since he won here at Augusta 500 days ago. Despite his best wishes, Johnson will be a big part of Thursday’s opening round not only because of his Masters history, but also because of his recent form after finishing fourth in WGC-Dell Technologies match play and tee. -9 in the Players Championship.
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,I think it’s definitely headed in the right direction. Starting to see a lot more consistency with the shots,” Johnson said of the current state of his game. “I feel like I’m starting to control the golf ball a little bit better. The hammock is starting to feel great. Obviously chopping and slicing around is a big part of it, but you don’t have to hit the golf ball. Must be able to control, especially when the course is firm and fast. Quality iron shots go a long way here.”
In 17 measured rounds this season, Johnson is 32nd in strokes goal: approach (.456) but 118th in greens in regulation (66.36 percent). With much trouble waiting among the Georgia Pines, the 37-year-old said he would prepare for the week by spending more time on the greens to dial in the shorter game.
“I really try not to do anything different,” Johnson said. “Like I said, spend a little more time on the golf course.”
Dustin Johnson hits at the practice facility during a practice round of the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-Augusta Chronicle/USA Today Network
Speaking of timing, defending champion Hideki Matsuyama wished he could spend more of it with his green jacket. Johnson? Eh, not that much.
“I was only doing it right for five months. To be honest, I would have taken it for just a week. You’re still the Masters champion,” Johnson explained. “But yeah, obviously one of them has to be one. It is a matter of special honour. I cherish those moments every time you come here, and when you wear a green jacket, obviously it’s very special and it means a lot. So, yeah, it’s always unbelievable.”
But don’t let it spin, she certainly isn’t satisfied with her Masters title alone.
“It certainly is — I haven’t put as much pressure as I did when I came back here as the last champion,” Columbia, a South Carolina native, said of returning to Augusta. “But I still want to do well. The next goal is to get another one.”
