Who says the R&A, those custodians of the sport, don’t have a sense of mischief? Ha, ha, tee-hee.
Dustin Johnson, the fall guy in the US Open a month ago when his dream of glory vanished in front of his very eyes with a three-putt on the final green to open the door for Jordan Spieth, will – thanks to those who draw up the timesheets – have a constant reminder of that meltdown for company in the first two rounds of this 144th British Open: he'll be playing alongside Spieth.
Imagine: Johnson’s nemesis, his most recent one, will be by his side as the quest for different Major glory gets under way. Perturbed? Rattled?
Seemingly not.
“Jordan’s a good buddy of mine, and so we have fun playing together . . . it’ll be a good day. I like playing with Jordan. No pressure, though,” responded Johnson to the news that the two will be shaking hands on the first tee on at least two consecutive days.
Spieth, of course, and fresh from his latest win on tour in Sunday’s play-off for the John Deere Classic, will be seeking to make it three from three in the Majors this season.
Johnson, more than anyone, is aware of how he could, possibly should, have blocked Spieth’s way. It’s just that, with Johnson, there always seems to be someone or something to stop him claiming a Major.
Crash and fall
In the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach, Johnson started the final round with a three-shot lead over Graeme McDowell, only to crash and fall.
In the 2010 US PGA at Kiawah Island, he incurred a two-stroke penalty for grounding his club in a bunker on the 72nd hole as Martin Kaymer sneaked in.
And in the 2011 British Open at Sandwich, Johnson was chasing down Darren Clarke until he pushed an approach to the Par 5 14th out-of-bounds to sign for a double bogey that proved disastrous for him.
But that night in Chambers Bay is freshest in the memory. On that night, Johnson didn’t exactly hang around after, firstly, his eagle putt to win the US Open ran by the hole, and secondly, his birdie to force a play-off refused to drop.
Johnson – as a runner-up – didn’t even bother to attend the presentation ceremony.
“I didn’t know,” said Johnson yesterday (of any requirement to be present to watch Spieth accept the trophy), “but it was time to get out of there. I had had enough, I was ready to go.”
Indeed, anyone in his shoes would probably have wished for the ground to open up too.
Repair the scars
But Johnson – winner of the WGC-Cadillac Championship in Doral earlier this year and currently fourth in the world rankings – will have to repair the scars from his US Open and to get going again in search of a maiden Major.
“I think every situation you can learn from, they’re all learning opportunities. Each one helps me get closer, to actually getting a Major,” said Johnson.
He was in Dublin again this past weekend, playing Royal Dublin and Portmarnock, a now-traditional part of his build-up to competing in the British Open, or, as he put it, “I just hung out with the boys and played some golf.”
And, for sure, he has the game for the Old Course. He hits it long – past all of the trouble – and, regardless of that three-putt disaster on the 18th at Chambers Bay, has his moments with putter in hand.
“I’ve got what it takes [to win], I’m excited to get this week started,” said Johnson.
And he has the added bonus of being able to keep an eye – possibly both – on Spieth.
