Dustin Johnson celebrated a birthday last Tuesday, just days after choking away a chance to win the U.S. Open. But the 26-year-old up-and-comer on the PGA Tour didn’t let it ruin his week. In fact, he said it was out of his mind as soon as he left California.
“It was a tough day, but golfers have tough days, and it’s how quick you can get over them is the best part,” Johnson said yesterday at Aronimink Golf Club.
Johnson, who has won at Pebble Beach two times in his career, has put that fateful day in the rear-view.
Now, he hopes a strong showing at the AT&T National will make his critics forget as well. Johnson will be paired with Tiger Woods and Davis Love III in tomorrow’s opening round. He insists that won’t add any extra pressure.
“No, I mean, I like playing with Tiger and Phil [Mickelson] or with big crowds,” Johnson said. “I think it’s fun. It makes it a lot more fun.”
Johnson did say that the field, combined with the sleek design of Aronimink, will make this week’s tournament feel like a major.
“The rough is very high and the greens are firm and fast, so it’s going to be a good test of golf this week,” he said.
