Top-ranked Johnson confident as Players begin

Miami, May 11: World number one Dustin Johnson, whose late run last week came up just short of a fourth consecutive PGA victory, is confident as The Players Championship opens on Thursday.

The 32-year-old American withdrew from the Masters last month after injuring his back in a fall on the eve of the year’s first major tournament, but returned at the Wells Fargo Championship last week and settled for a share of second, one stroke behind compatriot Brian Harman.

This week, the reigning US Open champion tests the famed TPC Sawgrass course against an elite global field in what promises to be a preview of the tense time he will have defending his first major crown next month at Erin Hills.

“I feel like I’m playing really well right now,” Johnson said. “The game is in really good shape. I'm getting a lot more confidence, especially after last week, playing a lot better on the weekend.”

Johnson has found little success at the event but likes his chances this year given the evolution in his game over the past 12 months.

“My game as a whole has gotten a lot better. I am interested to see how I can play here this week,” he said. “I haven’t had a lot of success around here. It’s definitely a challenge for me. I feel like if I am going to play well here this is the time I will play well here.

“It’s going to take four really good rounds if I want to be there on Sunday. I feel like I am starting to play this course a little bit better.”