Johnson the one to beat, says Mcilroy
Dustin Johnson is famously so laid back his rivals claim he could be used as a spirit level, and the world No1 is not about to become stressed at his woeful record here at The Players, with his best performance in seven attempts a tie for 28th.
Yet the American is keen to address a baffling history at the event they call ‘the fifth major’ and so continue his staggering recent run of form – three wins and a second in his past four appearances.
He knows that if he can win the US Open at Oakmont – as he did 12 months ago – there is no reason why he cannot win here.
“I believe so,” Johnson said. “I haven’t had a lot of success around here, so it’s definitely a challenge for me. But I feel like if I’m going to play well here, this is the time that I will play well.
“Everything throughout my whole game is in really good form right now and I feel like I’m starting to play this course better. But it doesn’t bother me, no. I try not to let things bother me. I think I do a pretty good job of it.”
The rest know it. When asked what was most difficult about getting back to world No1, Jason Day gave a succinct answer. “Dustin Johnson,” he said. Rory Mcilroy concurs.
“DJ just keeps doing it,” Mcilroy said. “He’s got a five-point lead at the top of the world rankings at the minute, which is huge, it really is.
“I can’t see him falling off or dropping off. It’s up to the other guys to try and catch him.”
Sawgrass is plainly as good a place as any, although the changes should suit Johnson, particularly the shortened 12th, which is now a driveable par four.
He must be the favourite – but Day, the defending champion, might be a better bet.