JOHNSON READY FOR ‘WORLD CLASS’ ABU DHABI HSBC CHAMPIONSHIP
▶ American world No 1 returns to the UAE a year after finishing runner-up on his first visit, writes John McAuley
Dustin Johnson has already underlined his position as golf’s world No 1 in 2018.
He began the year in impressive fashion with an eight-shot victory at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii last weekend.
The American tees up this coming week in the UAE, as he headlines a strong field at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, presented by EGA.
Last year, Johnson finished joint-second on debut. We caught up with the 2016 US Open champion ahead of his return.
Looking back at 2017, how would you rate it and what are your goals for 2018? A ny year when you win four times including two World Golf Championships is a good year. Obviously I can’t help thinking it could have been even better if I hadn’t gotten injured right before the Masters. That was a huge disappointment, as I love the Masters and I was in great form going in. My goals for 2018 are for more of the same really, looking for wins and targeting the majors. My first goal is to try and finish one spot higher in Abu Dhabi than I did in 2017!
T his will be your second time at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. How did you enjoy the 2017 experience? I loved the tournament in 2017. It was a great experience and that is why I am coming back. It has a world-class field on a fantastic course that suits my eye and I love the vibe of Abu Dhabi. There are so many great restaurants that I enjoy visiting with my team. And, of course, the weather is always perfect!
H ow do you rate this year’s field and how to do you rate your chances of a first Abu Dhabi win? As I said, the field is world class and that’s a credit to the tournament that HSBC and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council put on. Everyone loves playing there and I came so close last year so I know the course suits me, although it is packed full of tough competitors.
How do you rate the strength of the men’s game right now overall? I t is an exciting time for golf. There are so many unbelievable up and coming young talented golfers that are challenging week-in and weekout. Everyone will be looking forward to seeing Rory back in action and Justin Rose has obviously had an amazing end to 2017.
You will come to Abu Dhabi as world No 1. Has the status changed your approach to the game at all? I t hasn’t changed my approach to how hard I work as I always try to keep improving. But I sure do feel proud when I am announced on the tee as the world No 1. I dreamed of being world No 1 as a junior so it is pretty great that I’ve achieved such a big goal.
How big a relief was it to win the US Open in 2016 after going so close to winning that elusive major on a number of occasions beforehand? I think one of my biggest assets is that I am a patient guy and able to shake off disappointments and move on. I managed to take the positives from the near misses and always believed that if I kept putting myself in a good position, I would make it over the hump sooner or later.
How important is it for golf that the sport has expanded from Europe and the US and superstars like yourself are playing in the UAE and Asia? I t is very important that golf keeps evolving and appealing to new audiences. The UAE has some great facilities, perfect weather and world-class golf events that should inspire the next generation. I really enjoy playing around the world and love the enthusiasm of the golf fans there, who don’t get to see as much professional golf as the fans do in the US.
Talk to us about being part of the 2016 US Ryder Cup team that triumphed and do you think you can do it again in France this year? I t was one of the highlights of my career being part of the winning team in 2016.
I think we are shaping up to have another great team, but we won’t underestimate Europe at home and there are obviously going to have some great new additions to the their team.
One example is your defending champion Tommy Fleetwood, who finished one better than me at last year’s championship.
What goals do you still have in golf? T he best thing about golf is that you can always find room to improve.
I don’t struggle with motivation on course.
I feel very lucky to be a professional golfer and I enjoy the competition and the lifestyle.
I don’t set too many goals for my career, but every week I compete my goal is to try and take the trophy home with me.