LIV Golf’s Dustin Johnson talks Masters prep, preparing for Augusta Nationwide

Dustin Johnson obliterated Augusta Nationwide within the fall of 2020 en path to his maiden Masters title.

Postponed to the autumn due to COVID-19, that yr’s Masters noticed extremely low scores because of the delicate autumn circumstances. However that ought to not diminish the truth that Johnson simply waltzed round golf’s hallowed floor.

He completed at 20-under par, 5 photographs forward of Cameron Smith and Sungjae Im. Solely three different gamers completed 10-under or higher, proving Johnson’s accomplishments as each historic and extraordinary.

Since then, Johnson went to LIV Golf, the place he has gained thrice. His Official World Golf Rating (OWGR) has consequently plummeted, however that doesn’t imply a lot. Johnson continues to be a prime participant within the sport; few can match his expertise when he’s on.

Picture by Augusta Nationwide/Getty Pictures

As such, the previous Coastal Carolina Chanticleer has the sport to contend as soon as once more at this yr’s Masters. It ought to shock no person if he goes on to win his second inexperienced jacket.

Plus, the two-time main winner feels near replicating the success he had in 2020.

“Clearly, I used to be enjoying very effectively, and you realize that week I performed very effectively all 4 days, however I see indicators of it,” Johnson mentioned throughout a latest name with members of the media.

“I really feel like the sport is trending in that route. Am I precisely there? It’ll be onerous to get again to nearly as good as I performed that week. However am I enjoying effectively sufficient now that I can have every week like that? Completely.”

Like Rory McIlroy, Johnson has lengthy been often known as an beautiful driver of the golf ball. He hits it a rustic mile, typically leaving himself shorter strategy photographs, the place he lends his focus throughout follow.

“I at all times spend a number of time engaged on my wedges,” Johnson added.

“[My wedges] haven’t been as sharp as they’re once I’m enjoying rather well. I spend a number of my time on that. However you realize, clearly, nonetheless must work on all aspects of the sport.”

Lengthy often known as a ball-striker’s golf course, Augusta Nationwide prioritizes wedge play. The undulating greens and tucked pin positions go away little margin for error, however usually, whoever has one of the best week with their irons and wedges finds themselves within the combine on the again 9 on Sunday.

Picture by Jamie Squire/Getty Pictures

That was the case for Johnson in 2020, as he took benefit of the alternatives he gave himself due to his magnificent efficiency off the tee.

However final yr, Johnson struggled on the 2023 Masters, gained by Jon Rahm.

After opening with rounds of 71 and 72, Johnson fully light over the weekend—a weekend marred by disastrous climate that led to a marathon remaining day, on which the leaders performed 29 holes.

“I didn’t play close to in addition to I’d wish to,” Johnson mentioned.

“However this yr, clearly getting off to just a little bit higher begin [will help]. I really feel like the sport’s in actually good kind. To be trustworthy, I’m placing in just a little extra work. I simply wasn’t happy with my outcomes. Placing within the effort, I believe, is the largest factor. I simply wasn’t pleased with the way in which I performed. So I’m working just a little bit more durable this yr.”

Johnson plans to take a scouting journey to Augusta Nationwide earlier than LIV Golf heads to the Blue Monster at Doral for its Miami occasion.

However since LIV Golf has a way more restricted schedule than the PGA Tour, Johnson has extra time to coach and follow.

“I prepare the identical all yr lengthy. Within the offseason, you may go just a little bit extra heavy,” Johnson mentioned.

“You recognize, it’s good being residence. After which clearly, [my trainer] travels with me just about all over the place. So, we prepare on the street, similar to we do at residence, for probably the most half. It’s good, although, to have the ability to have time to [train]. There are particular components of the physique that want additional consideration, to place the work in.”

Getty Pictures

After all, the rise of LIV Golf has left skilled golf mired by battle, because the world’s finest gamers now compete on separate circuits. However now, like in 2023, The Masters serves as the primary match of the yr wherein gamers from LIV and the PGA Tour play side-by-side.

The three different majors are the one different tournaments of the yr wherein that is the case.

Some say that has elevated the aura of the majors, however Johnson disagrees. He continues to view golf’s biggest occasions the identical as he at all times has.

“It’s nonetheless the identical. They’re nonetheless the 4 occasions that you simply wish to win,” Johnson mentioned.

“I wish to win each golf match that I’m enjoying in. Clearly, it doesn’t occur, and it by no means will. However the majors are simply… They’re at all times going to be the head of the game.”

Except for his U.S. Open triumph at Oakmont in 2016 and his Masters victory in 2020, the head of Johnson’s profession got here through the spring of 2017, when he gained thrice main as much as the 2017 Masters.

In case you recall, Johnson fell down a set of stairs and injured his again, forcing the then-number-one ranked participant on the planet to withdraw. He appeared unstoppable earlier than he harm himself, main many to ask, what if?

“I don’t actually give it some thought that a lot aside from I do look again at [my swing] I’ve received ‘trigger I used to be working with [renowned swing coach] Butch [Harmon] at the moment,” Johnson mentioned.

“So he has movies and stuff about my swing. And you realize I had unbelievable prep going into that week. So we positively take a look at the swing from that point, type of examine it, and attempt to get again to that kind. We use it as a result of we all know how effectively I used to be enjoying at that time. However yeah, no, I don’t actually give it some thought an excessive amount of.”

Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By. You should definitely try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You may observe him on Twitter @jack_milko as effectively.