It’s never going to happen for Dustin Johnson, is it?
Heading into the third round of the British Open, Johnson sat at 10 under par, halfway to finding a major that has eluded him this year. A sixth place finished at the Masters was followed up by a brutal collapse at the U.S. Open, but both tournaments offered promising signs for a man who a year ago took a leave of absence from the game to wrestle personal demons. On Saturday, it seemed Johnson might continue his resurgence.
On Sunday, he did not.
While nearly everyone else at St. Andrews scored under par, Johnson shot a dreadful 75. He’s five shots back from the leaders, and appears to have squandered his chance at the Claret Jug.
USA TODAY Sports
“Obviously today is the easier of the three that we’ve played golf by quite a few shots,” Johnson said to reporters after his calamitous round. “I played the worst round, and I don’t feel like I played that bad. I just didn’t hole any putts.”
It could be as simple as that. But it probably isn’t. The fact is, Johnson is too good to play this bad in big moments. Some suggest he needs to consider bringing in a different caddie, and let his brother Austin go. Others would say his performance this year has been admirable given the circumstances of the previous year and he just needs some time.
Johnson seems so comfortable with disappointment. Almost resigned to a preordained fate. Walking along the course Sunday, he seldom interacted, and hardly engaged. He went through his motions, chose his clubs, and moved through the round with an almost unnerving calm considering the circumstances. Maybe he needs that calm and resignation. Perhaps that is keeping the rest of him balanced.
USA TODAY Sports
It seemed as he walked off the 18th hole at the U.S. Open and kissed his baby son that Johnson the man was at peace even if Johnson the player was not. That again seemed the case on Sunday as the rain cascaded off the brim of his cap. The question is whether Johnson is willing to sacrifice some of that comfort for the edge he needs to finally find a major.
[sigallery id=”4BJ7tMXRmeg8pHETrimmYP” title=”British Open FTW!” type=”sigallery”]
