Rock DJ... but Rory still hard to back
THE WORLD No.1 has become a forgotten man – but Torrey Pines could suit Dustin Johnson down to a tee.
The 36-year-old (above) has been struggling for form of late but there are signs he is getting back into the groove.
And Nick Dougherty believes that it could be this week where it all clicks – but only for those who drive straight and true, which he believes places a big question-mark against Rory McIlroy.
Sky Sports golf expert and presenter Dougherty 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 was super-reliable – but it hasn’t been so of late. Dustin has been aiming down the left with that fade - and he’s been missing left.
“That has the effect of hitting your confidence. Before you know it, you are second-guessing yourself and starting to feel uncomfortable.
“But he’s working on it. His technique, otherwise, is stunning. I’m expecting him to bounce back.
“He’s got off to a good start in the Palmetto Championship this week. If he hits the ground with any confidence at Torrey Pines, he’ll be tough to beat.”
Former pro 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.
Dougherty said: I played that US Open so 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.
“The course is filled with little bowls on the greens. There are greens within greens. To find the segments you need, the players will need to be doing so from the fairways because even if you can gouge it out of the rough once or twice, doing so consistently won’t happen.
“Back in 2008 they were the worst greens I ever played a Major on. The grass is poa annua and it’s unpredictable. It’s awful - super-quick. It can make top players look silly.
“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 (below).
“He won at Wells Fargo due to his superb game in and around the greens. But his long game isn’t there yet. 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 is, he’s still Rory McIlroy.”
Although Dougherty says Johnson could be the man to watch, he believes that other European stars cannot be discounted.
He said: “Jon Rahm has the biggest chance. But I quite like the look of Tyrrell Hatton – it comes down the mental management of his game.
“And Tommy Fleetwood, for me is similar to Xander Schauffele. He swings a club about as well as anyone can. He has no real weaknesses.
“He carded a 63 at Shinnecock, finishing second in the 2018 US Open and was second in The Open in 2019. Tommy can be a threat.” ■■Watch more than 40 hours of live action from all four rounds of the US Open 2021 live and exclusive on Sky Sports Golf
Dustin’s fade off the tee has been failing him but he’ll bounce back