Sport/ Golf

British Open is chance for Dustin Johnson to heal US Open heartbreak

Mild-mannered 31-year-old from South Carolina lost on the final green ... ironically, he opens his campaign at St Andrew's alongside world No 2 Jordan Spieth, the man who claimed victory at Chambers Bay

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Published: 11:55pm, 13 Jul, 2015

Updated: 11:55pm, 13 Jul, 2015

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Dustin Johnson misses his birdie putt on the 18th green in the final round of the US Open at Chambers Bay. Jordan Spieth claimed victory. Photo: USA Today Sports

Dustin Johnson will get a chance to banish the agony of losing the US Open on the final green when he tees off in his opening round of the 144th British Open at St Andrews on Thursday.

Ironically, the mild-mannered 31-year-old from South Carolina opens his campaign alongside world No 2 Jordan Spieth, the man who claimed victory at Chambers Bay, his second straight major triumph, when Johnson three-putted from 12 feet at the last.

[St Andrew's] is very challenging, uses a lot of imagination, and this is one of my favourite Open venues with the history, and I just love the golf course Dustin Johnson

Johnson has been knocking on the door of grand slam success for several years and has nine top-10 finishes since 2009, including a runner-up spot at the 2011 British Open alongside Phil Mickelson, when Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke won his only major by three strokes at Royal St Georges.

“I always enjoy coming over and playing the British. I feel like I play very well over here,” said Johnson who finished in a tie for 14th when the Open was last played at St Andrews in 2010.

“I’ve always liked it since the first time I came over in college, and I just think it’s a lot of fun. I like the golf, and it’s very challenging, uses a lot of imagination, and this is one of my favourite Open venues with the history, and I just love the golf course.

“I played pretty well here the last time I was here in 2010.”

Jordan Spieth hits out of a bunker during a practice round on Monday ahead of the British Open at St Andrews in Scotland. Photo: Reuters

Johnson, who won the last of his nine PGA titles in March, added that while his US Open defeat in Seattle was tough, he was pleased with his performance that weekend.

“I was happy with the way I played and the way I handled myself coming down the last few holes.

“I thought I hit the shots that I was supposed to hit. You know, I did everything I was supposed to. It wasn’t too difficult to get over it.

“Obviously I was a little disappointed I didn’t get the job done, but you know, I was definitely happy with the way I played.

Japanese No 1 Hideki Matsuyama, chasing a debut win at a major, will tee off with Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth. Photo: USA Today Sports

The man whose partner is Paulina Gretzky, the daughter of ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, also says he is looking forward to playing alongside Spieth in his opening round when they will also be joined by Japanese No 1 Hideki Matsuyama.

“Jordan is a good buddy of mine, and so we have fun playing together.

“I think we’ve got a good group. I think I just saw it’s me and Spieth and Matsuyama, so it’ll be a good day. I like playing with Jordan. No pressure, though.

Top Asian player Matsuyama, the 23-year-old also chasing a debut win at a major, completes a threesome that is certain to attract massive crowds on the opening two days of the Championship.

“I’ve played with him [Matsuyama] a couple times. I think he’s got a really good game, really solid player. I think he’s got a lot of talent. You know, he’s got a great game, so it’s fun to watch.”