DUSTIN REBORN
Confident Johnson shrugs off mishaps
DUSTIN JohNSoN’S first requirement today is to avoid errant cats, tie his shoelaces and, for heaven’s sake, hold on to the handrail.
That way he will be right up there among the bookmakers’ favourites for the 146th open.
These patently obvious entreaties are only necessary because Johnson fell down the stairs at his rental home in Augusta, landing so uncomfortably on his lower back and elbows that he withdrew from the Masters.
Johnson’s absence came as he was in the form of his life. Nothing has been straightforward for the world No 1 since his no-show. he has struggled for form, including missing the cut in the US open last month.
But setbacks and redemption have been constant companions on Johnson’s evolution from fratboy to the pinnacle of his sport. Failing drugs tests for recreational stimulants three years ago only underlined the immortal line of the American sportswriter Rick Reilly, who observed: ‘Dustin is so dense light bends around him.’
But he is not a nurturer of regrets. Yesterday is history, let’s move on.
of missing the Masters and his powers of psychological recovery, Johnson said: ‘It definitely sucked. But things happen. I have obviously had quite a few things happen to me. It’s nothing new.
‘I feel good. My game is starting to get back to where it was. The putter is starting to roll a little better. After the injury I spent a lot of time working on my swing and not much time on my short game. But now I have a lot of confidence in my putting.’
Soon after he spoke, the course was cleared ahead of an electrical storm. More rain is promised to lash Lancashire’s exposed links in the next few days. only a smart player as well as a fine one can possibly lift the Claret Jug.
It will be especially tough for Johnson given that the driver — his weapon of choice — is marginalised on Royal Birkdale’s flat but narrow fairways. Nor does he have a great record in The open. he tied for second in 2011 but otherwise last year’s US open champion has never managed better than ninth.
There will be no family distractions as Johnson prepares for 2.48pm this afternoon, when he starts out with Rory McIlroy and Charl Schwartzel. his modelsinger fiancee Paulina Gretzky, daughter of the ice hockey legend Wayne, will be back home in Florida with their two sons.
The latest of those, River Jones Johnson, was born last month, the younger brother of Tatum Gretzky Johnson. ‘Definitely the second one is easier than the first,’ said Dustin. ‘he’s healthy, happy. With FaceTime it’s pretty easy to keep in touch online and feels almost as if you’re at home. That makes it easier, though I still miss the family. It’s part of the job.’
The senior voice ringing in his ear will require no technology to be heard this weekend. It belongs to Wayne Gretzky, who is credited with telling Johnson to sort himself out, or push off, when he was in danger of partying his talent away.
‘ Never, ever settle,’ Gretzky implored him, explaining that relentlessness was the mark of great sportsmen such as himself and Tiger Woods.
Aged 33, Johnson is still stalked by the indiscretions of his past. That is why he was asked about the PGA Tour possibly introducing blood testing to catch drug-takers. he responded with meaning: ‘They can do whatever they want. It’s nothing to concern me at all.’
Lessons learned, one hopes. Now just take care on your way here, Dustin.