JOHNSON’S ON RISE YET AGAIN
THE world No.1 has become a forgotten man – buttorrey Pines could suit Dustin Johnson down to a tee. The American, 36, has been struggling for form of late but there are signs he is getting back into the groove.
Sky Sports pundit Nick Dougherty believes this could be the week it all clicks.
He said: “Dustin had a spell when he was untouchable. He was so far ahead in the rankings it was incredible.
“It’s the reason why he’s still there, despite not playing his best stuff. His confidence has been hit, mainly because his normal lovely buttery cut off the tee has been super-reliable but it hasn’t been so of late.
“He’s been aiming down the left with that fade and he’s been missing left.
“But he’s working on it.
His technique, otherwise, is stunning. I’m expecting him to bounce back.
“If he hits the ground with any confidence at Torrey
Pines he’s going to be tough to beat.” Dougherty played in the last 2008 US Open held on the California coastline, won
by
Tiger Woods, who played with a broken leg, defeating unknown Rocco Mediate following a play-off.
He added: “I know the course, although I missed the cut!
“It’s long. It’s going to have a typical US Open feel.
“You’re going to have to hit the fairways. It’s going to favour those who are accurate off the tee and have a solid short game.
“Someone relying on their short game isn’t going to win it.
“That’s why I just think this might be too soon for Rory Mcilroy. He won at Wells Fargo due to his superb game in and around the greens.
“His long game isn’t there yet but we know he’s making changes and once they start to take, his confidence will sky-rocket. Is he going to have a chance? Of course, he’s still Rory Mcilroy.” ●Watch more than 40 hours of live action from all four rounds of the US Open 2021 live and exclusive on Sky
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