Dustin Johnson Ties Tiger Woods' Major Record At US Open
After yesterday's opening-round 64, DJ sits alongside the great Tiger Woods
Dustin Johnson may have just the two Major titles compared to Tiger Woods’ 15, but after yesterday’s opening round of 64 at the US Open, the 2016 champion did move alongside the great man for rounds of 65 or better at Majors.
After the LIV golfer, who also won The Masters in 2020, carded a classy 64 at The Los Angeles Country Club to position himself just two shots off the lead, he made it ten rounds of 65 or better at Major Championships.
With three rounds left to play at the 123rd US Open – and with scoring conditions seemingly set to stay fairly favourable – Johnson may well end the week leading that particularly record, especially given injured Woods isn't playing. Both players have shot plenty of 65s or better during their stellar careers, but rounds in the mid sixties at the game’s big four events are hard to come by.
“I just try to shoot as low as I can every day,” said Johnson, who’s never one to overthink matters. “What that number is at the end of the week, I have no idea. I wish I could predict that, though. That would be nice.”
Johnson’s 64 also saw him move ahead of Jack Nicklaus (9) and Rory McIlroy (8), who posted another magic number himself in the opening round, a five-under 65 that puts the Northern Irishman right in the mix.
It's a record neither player is likely to be aware off. Both will be more focused on adding to their Major tallies. McIlroy, in particular, has had a monkey on his back for some time, with his last Major title coming at the 2014 PGA Championship.
Although the Ulsterman didn’t speak to the media after his round, Johnson was happy to share his thoughts for the weekend ahead. “I had a great practice leading into it. I've been playing pretty solid,” he added. “Obviously won in Tulsa [LIV Tour] a few weeks ago. But the game has been trending in the right direction, and obviously I feel really comfortable over the golf ball right now.”
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Should Johnson add to his joint-record of 65s or better at Majors and beat one of Woods' many records this weekend, it’s sure to put him right into contention for a third Major title.
Michael has been with Golf Monthly since 2008. As a multimedia journalist, he has also worked for The Football Association, where he created content to support the men's European Championships, The FA Cup, London 2012, and FA Women's Super League. As content editor at Foremost Golf, Michael worked closely with golf's biggest equipment manufacturers, and has developed an in-depth knowledge of this side of the industry. He's now a regular contributor, covering instruction, equipment and feature content. Michael has interviewed many of the game's biggest stars, including six world number ones, and has attended and reported on many Major Championships and Ryder Cups. He's a member of Formby Golf Club.
-
Billy Horschel Blames LIV Golf Supporters For Ongoing Divisiveness In Men's Pro Golf
Billy Horschel suggested that LIV Golf supporters are partially to blame for the current state of men's professional golf
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Report: LIV Golf League Signs Partnership With Golf Australia
The deal with LIV Golf is expected to go towards funding Golf Australia’s junior program
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Tee Times - Round Three
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry hold a share of the lead at the halfway stage, with a host of other big names in contention too
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Charlie Woods Shoots 81 To Fall Short In Bid To Qualify For 2024 US Open
Charlie Woods carded a nine-over-par round in local qualifying to miss out on one of five spots into final qualifying
By Ben Fleming Published
-
'An Olympic Medal Would Be Like A Dream' - Lowry And McIlroy Target Success In Paris
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are ready to get back into the Olympic spirit later this year as they look to win a medal at the Paris 2024 golf tournament
By Paul Higham Published
-
‘I Think I Can Be Helpful’ – Rory McIlroy Opens Up On Potential Return To PGA Tour Policy Board
The four-time Major winner resigned from the board six months ago, but with the game still fractured, he could be about to return
By Mike Hall Published
-
Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Tee Times - Rounds One And Two
Rory McIlroy plays alongside Shane Lowry in the team event, while a host of other big names are in the field too
By Mike Hall Published
-
'I Would Welcome It Wholeheartedly' - New DP World Tour Chief 'Delighted' To See Prospective Return Of Rory McIlroy To PGA Tour Board
DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings is looking forward to seeing European representation on the PGA Tour board once again as McIlroy returns to a role he left only late last year
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Report: Tiger Woods Set To Receive $100m Loyalty Payday From PGA Tour
The 15-time Major champion is set to be rewarded handsomely for sticking with the US-based circuit
By Andrew Wright Published
-
Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Prize Money Payout 2024
Nick Hardy and Davis Riley defend their title at the team event as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry also play
By Mike Hall Published