DJ avoids bunker mentality
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — The bunker is gone, and Dustin Johnson has moved on.
But in returning to Whistling Straits for the PGA Championship, Johnson faced questions one more time about his infamous error in the sand on the final hole that cost him a spot in a playoff in the 2010 championship.
For the most part, Johnson has shrugged off the queries and memories. He delivered a couple humorous zingers yesterday, and said he only thinks about the mistake when asked.
“I mean, so, I don’t know how many times that is,” he told reporters.
A smiling Johnson added: “This year I don’t have to worry about it because — there’s a grandstand there. Thank you PGA. I appreciate that.”
And yes, he does know the rules now about the countless bunkers at the linksstyle course.
“I haven’t looked at them but I don’t need to. After what happened, I’m pretty sure I know what’s going on,” he said, drawing more laughs.
This was serious business five years ago. Zach Johnson, who had a neighboring locker, recalled this week consoling his upset colleague afterward.
Dustin Johnson had been assessed a 2-shot penalty on the final hole after grounding his 4-iron in the sand to the right of the fairway, not aware he was in a bunker. He had a 1-shot lead when he teed off from the 18th hole.
Johnson missed a 7-foot par putt to slip into a playoff with Martin Kaymer and Bubba Watson — until he learned he had let his club touch the sand during his pre-shot routine. The 2 added shots dropped him to fifth.
Kaymer beat Watson in the playoff for the Wanamaker Trophy that year, though in a way, it’s a footnote to the drama that surrounded Johnson.
“Well, first of all, I need to say it’s a little sad that every time . . . we talk about the PGA Championship here it’s like that Dustin threw it away,” Kaymer said. “Of course, if (he) would have made the putts on 18 and if he would have not gotten the penalty stroke, he would have won the tournament.”
The confusion over the bunker was understandable. Johnson has recounted how he saw fans standing there, with a Gatorade bottle and beer can in the bunker.
But at Whistling Straits all sandy areas are considered bunkers, even if they’re outside or near the ropes. The PGA said it has posted notices this year, just like it did in 2010, along with notifying players before they arrived at the course.
A rules official accompanies each group on the course, and can confirm what is and isn’t a bunker. Most players have said they will use caution and have read the rules.
The actual “Dustin Johnson bunker” itself is no longer visible, with a viewing area built atop it. Organizers have said it was part of a broader plan to bring more corporate hospitality on to the course, and not to intentionally cover up the spot.
Coach is a player
Ben Martin will have to wait to reach his coach if he needs any tips today.
That’s because Charles Frost will be teeing off two groups ahead of his pupil at Whistling Straits. He and Martin are that rare playercoach duo to make the field for a major championship.
“It’s pretty cool to have a coach who can play and teach at the same time,” Martin said after yesterday’s practice round. “It will be a special week for us.”
Martin turned pro in 2010. He’s playing in only his second PGA Championship, after missing the cut last year at Valhalla. Yet he’s a grizzled PGA vet compared to Frost, the club pro at Kiawah Island in South Carolina. It also means in this case, the student can offer tips to his coach.
“This would be a situation where I’d feel a little more comfortable,” Martin said. “It can be a challenge for a club pro guy who maybe (isn’t) used to being out here competing week in, week out.”
Frost qualified by tying for 10th in the PGA Professional National Championship in Philadelphia on July 1.
Martin and Frost played nine holes together in a practice round Tuesday. Martin described it as a “once-in-alifetime” experience.
“Anything I can do, playing practice rounds with him to get him in a comfortable mindset, give him the best chance to win,” Martin said.
Ranked 63rd in the world, Martin is coming off a 57thplace finish last week at the Bridgestone Invitational. He tied for fourth at The Players Championship in May.
Worth the weight
A heavy burden is bestowed on the winner of the PGA Championship.
The regal Wanamaker Trophy, with its curved handles and ornate top, is the 27-pound prize behemoth awarded to the victor.
“Well, at first it was super heavy,” said Kaymer, recalling his trophy-winning moment in 2010.
Kaymer also remembered how, after his final round and three extra playoff holes, the trophy got harder to lift each time photographers requested it. Eventually, though, the adrenaline kicked in.
“I’m not the Hulk or anyone, you know, but you don’t really mind,” Kaymer said. “I don’t even know if you’re happy in that moment because you’re so in shock. I was really in shock.”
Last year’s winner, Rory McIlroy, caught the lid when it accidentally slipped off during a photo opportunity. At least he had some experience with the heft of the Wanamaker, after also winning it in 2012.
“It’s a good arm workout at the end of the day,” he laughed. “It’s heavy.”