As we inch closer to the next major the boys of the PGA Tour are busy getting a look at Chambers Bay and honing their game at this week’s Memorial Tournament.
One of the favorites at the U.S. Open, and this and every other week on tour is Dustin Johnson. DJ has a game that can win anywhere and on occasion he does. But he still remains one of those at the top of the list of the best players without a major.
Michael Bamberger of Sports Illustrated says “Johnson has enough game to make golf history.” And he certainly does.
He already has won nine times on tour including eight straight years with a win. DJ has worked his way up to eighth in the World Rankings and since his comeback from his “self-imposed” hiatus has shown that his game is a sharp as ever.
With a win at The WGC Cadillac Championship and six top tens he already has had a season that many a golfer would take for the entire year.
The word often used to describe Johnson’s game is overpowering. His driver reduces any course to a pitch and putt. He ranks first in driving distance at 316.7 yards and eighth in strokes gained tee to green.
Of course that long ball is a bit wild at times and his 186th rank in driving accuracy reflects that. But his ability to score ranks him ninth is strokes gained tee to green total. So we know DJ can golf his ball.
But what is perplexing is his penchant for blow ups. We take Rory McIlroy to task for missing cuts as on some weeks he can’t seem to score. Johnson has a bit of the same affliction except it seems to be a single hole or two that keeps him from realizing his potential.
His eight on the sixth hole in the final round of the AT&T ended his run last week and we all remember his wild out of bounds shot as he was chasing Darren Clarke at the Open Championship.
But a new and rejuvenated Johnson may have a few good chances at his first major this year.
DJ has a solid record at the Open Championship (except for that foul ball) with top fifteen finishes four of the last five Open Championships.
With the next three majors taking place on links, or links style courses DJ may be in good position to get that first major win.
Chambers Bay plays as a true links and with it hosting the U.S. Open for the first time no one can say they have an advantage.
Johnson finished T14 the last time the Open was held at St. Andrews and his game can shorten that course dramatically.
And finally the PGA Championship returns to Whistling Straights where except for a camouflaged bunker Johnson may have won his first major instead of Martin Kaymer.
When Johnson’s on course game is hitting on all cylinders he can be an imposing force. But is his new-found inner peace enough to finally get him off the major-less skid?
Few players have the skills that DJ has. But this game is more than physical skill. It’s those five inches between the ears that challenges many golfers.
If DJ has mastered his five inches this may be the year he finally gets that elusive major.
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