AUGUSTA, Ga. – Dustin Johnson gave the most Dustin Johnson answer when asked how he felt about Tiger Woods’ potential return overshadowing the 2022 Masters.
“It’s fine,” the man of few words said before being asked to elaborate. “No, I mean, it’s going to be his first tournament back in a long time. So obviously he’s one of greatest that’s ever played this game and especially in our era, so anytime he tees it up, especially after his injuries, he’s going to take a lot of attention, which is okay with me. I always like sliding in a little under the radar.”
At 6-foot-4 with 24 PGA Tour wins and two major championships under his belt, it’s rare for Johnson to go unnoticed, especially when he won here at Augusta a little over 500 days ago. Despite his best wishes, Johnson will undoubtedly be a big part of the conversation leading up to Thursday’s opening round due to not just his Masters history, but also his recent form following a fourth-place finish at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play and T-9 at the Players Championship.
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“I feel like it’s definitely trending in the right direction. Starting to see a lot more consistency with 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 swing is starting to feel a lot better. Obviously around here, chipping and putting is a big part of it, but you’ve got to be able to control the golf ball, especially when the course gets firm and fast. Quality iron shots go a long way around here.”
In 17 measured rounds this season, Johnson ranks 32nd in Strokes Gained: Approach (.456) but ranks 118th in greens in regulation (66.36 percent). With plenty of trouble awaiting among the Georgia Pines, the 37-year-old said he’d prepare for the week by spending more time around and on the greens to dial in the short game.
“I really try not to do anything different,” added Johnson. “Just like I said, spend a little bit more time out on the golf course.”
Speaking of time, defending champion Hideki Matsuyama wished he spent more of it with his green jacket. Johnson? Eh, not so much.
“I was fine with only having it for five months. To be honest, I’d have taken it for just a week. You’re still a Masters champion,” explained Johnson. “But yeah, obviously it’s a special honor to have one of those. Anytime you come here, I cherish the moments, and when you wear the green jacket, obviously it’s very special and it means a lot. So, yeah, it’s always incredible.”
But don’t get it twisted, he’s certainly not satisfied with his lone Masters title.
“It’s definitely – there’s not as much pressure that I put on myself coming back here as a past champion,” the Columbia, South Carolina native said of returning to Augusta. “But I still want to do well. Next goal is to get another one.”
