MAMARONECK, New York (Reuters) – Dustin Johnson said on Tuesday that everything about his game is clicking as the in-form American looks to claim a second U.S. Open title at Winged Foot this week.
The 36-year-old tournament favourite finished his season with three victories and won his first FedExCup title at East Lake last week, taking home $15 million in prize money.
On Monday, he was named PGA Tour Player of the Year for a second time and finished the season ranked number one in the world.
Johnson credited his recent run of success, which also included wins at the Travelers Championship and the Northern Trust and runner-up finishes at the PGA Championship and the BMW Championship, to his work ethic, especially when it comes to his improved short game.
“Everything just seems to be clicking right now,” he told reporters.
“I’ve definitely had to put in a lot of work to get to where I’m at. I mean, obviously the game is good, and it feels good, so I’m very pleased with it.”
Johnson’s season got off to a rough start after he missed time recovering from knee surgery and then had to endure the COVID-19 shutdown like everyone else.
Despite his recent dominance Johnson only has one major title to his name, which came at the 2016 U.S. Open, but he said he is not putting any added pressure on himself this week.
“I’m playing well. I’ve got a lot of confidence in the game, but no, I’m not putting any extra expectation,” he said.
“I mean, I expect to play well every week.
“Hopefully it stays in good form for the rest of the week, but it’s one of those golf courses where it’s very difficult and you need to be spot-on if you want to play well.”
Winged Foot’s thick, nasty rough and notoriously difficult, sloping greens will challenge the world’s best, including Johnson.
“I haven’t played in a tournament yet, but so far it seems very, very hard, one of the harder ones I’ve ever played,” Johnson said.
“But you know, it’s fair. There’s nothing real tricky about it. You’ve just got to hit good shots.”
Johnson will be paired with fellow Americans Bryson DeChambeau and Tony Finau on Thursday and Friday.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Toby Davis)
