Dustin Johnson suffers Masters humiliation as LIV Golf star comes crashing down to earth

Dustin Johnson failed to replicate his incredible performance in the 2020 Masters at Augusta National this year – with the LIV golfer missing the cut at 13 over par

Dustin Johnson’s poor play at the 2024 Masters was a stark contrast to his record-breaking performance at Augusta in 2020.

The 39-year-old finished the week 13 over par en route to missing the cut and getting sent home earlier than expected in the tournament. It wasn’t long ago that Johnson had a historical couple days at Augusta, smashing the record for lowest score across 72 holes at the Masters with 268 (-20). Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth previously held the best mark at the Masters, each posting 270 in 1997 and 2015 respectively.

Johnson won the green jacket for the first time in his career after Cameron Smith and Im Sung-jae posted 273 (eighth highest at the Masters). Going into this year’s Masters, the two-time major champion was hoping to repeat his 2020 success at the flagship event. “Obviously, I was playing really well. You know, I was playing really well all four days a week. But we’re seeing the signs of that,” he told reporters last month. Told. “I feel like the game is moving in that direction. Am I really here? It will be difficult to get back to the level of play we had last week. But am I playing well enough right now to experience a week like this? absolutely. “

After his dominant performance at the 2020 Masters, Johnson left his PGA Tour and moved to LIV Golf. The Saudi-sponsored league’s schedule was more limited than the PGA Tour, allowing him more time to train.

“I do the same training all year round. “It’s okay to put on a little weight in the offseason,” he said. “Do you know how nice it is to come home? And obviously (my coach) accompanies me almost everywhere. That’s why we train on the street as well as at home. But it’s good to have time to practice. Certain parts of the body require more attention.

After a disappointing performance at the 2023 Masters, Johnson arrived at Augusta this year with a stronger work ethic and more determination to succeed. “I didn’t play as well as I thought I would,” he said. “But obviously this year it will help to start a little bit better. I feel like the game is going very well. To be honest, I tried a little harder. I just wasn’t satisfied with my results. I think the most important thing is to make an effort. I’m just not satisfied with my play. So, I’m going to try a little harder this year.

Unfortunately for Johnson, the extra effort and preparation leading up to the Masters didn’t seem to pay off. He finished Thursday and Friday with scores of 78 and 79, respectively, recording just one birdie through 36 holes.