DJ HAS ICE IN HIS VEINS

Champion has a good puck charm on his side...hockey legend (and father-in-law) Wayne is making Johnson a great one

DUSTIN JOHNSON will lead the American challenge at the Masters after becoming the best player on the planet with the help of a Canadian legend.

The world No.1 is bidding to become only the fourth man in history to retain the title in Augusta, along with Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.

And only Woods

(below, presenting

Johnson with the Green

Jacket last year) and Greg Norman have spent more time than his 123 weeks at the top of the rankings.

But for years Johnson, 36, was PGA Tour’s wild child and nearlyman, who failed to fulfil his talent on the biggest stages.

Yet six months out of golf in 2014 to address “personal challenges” saw him return a better player and person.

He now has a long-term relationship and two sons with Instagram star Paulina Gretzky (above) – and the work ethic of his father-in-law and ice hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky.

“That time off was the greatest thing to ever happen in his life,” said the NHL legend.

“I’ve encouraged Dustin to raise the bar, to set higher goals and about the commitment to pay the price to be the best. Everyone knew he had the ability, but he has matured to the point where he gets mad at himself if he doesn’t win.” DJ showed rare emotion as he broke down in tears after winning the November Masters alongside his brother and caddie Austin with a record score of 20 under par. Johnson won his first Major at the 2016 US Open a year after three-putting from 12ft on the final green to hand the title to Jordan Spieth. But he has a rare ability to shrug off big disappointment.

Scotland No.1 Bob Macintyre, who halved his match with the world No.1 at last month’s WGC-DELL Technologies Match

Play, said: “You don’t appreciate it until you see him in the flesh. If I hit a really bad shot, I am like, ‘Oh no, why now?’

– but he doesn’t. Where his ball goes, his ball goes and he deals with it from there.”

His approach to Augusta is also a lesson. After adding deadly wedge play to his awesome driving, he has finished in the top 10 in his last five appearances and played his last 15 rounds under par.

In his pre-tournament press conference, Johnson knew the names of the three men who had retained the Green Jacket.

“It’s just very tough to win once – and especially multiple times,” he said.