Johnson: ‘This is what I live for’

US Open leader Dustin Johnson is backing himself to hold his nerve for the most important round of his life.
US Open leader Dustin Johnson is backing himself to hold his nerve for the most important round of his life.
Johnson, who turns 26 next Tuesday, will take a three-shot lead into the last day of the 110th US Open at Pebble Beach Golf links after producing a five-under-par 66 in his third round to overtake halfway leader Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland.
Johnson is at six under, three ahead of McDowell, who shot a 71, with world number one Tiger Woods in third at one under. Ernie Els and France’s Gregory Havret are six shots off the lead with Masters champion Phil Mickelson seven in arrears.
The big-hitting Johnson said he knows exactly what he has to do to hold off some of the biggest names in the game and seal his first major victory.
“This is what I live for, this is what I practice for every day,” Johnson said. “This is what we play golf for, to have a chance to win the US Open.
“I’m going to have to be really patient. If I keep hitting like I’ve been hitting and putting it in the spots on the green, then I’m going to be tough to beat.
“I think I’m very patient most of the time. Sometimes I can get a little impatient, I’ll hurry, I’ll play a little fast.
“But tomorrow I’ll just try to keep it slow, keep a good routine going like I’ve been doing, and take what the golf course gives me.”
Johnson also knows how to win at Pebble Beach. His caddie Bobby Brown was a long-time caddie at the famous California links who helped his boss successfully defend his title at the annual PGA Tour event here in February.
“The first time I walked out here I loved the place,” Johnson said.
“I really enjoy playing golf here. You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place and I just really enjoy it.”
Johnson said he was pleased with a round that produced an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys.
“I started off well. I drove it well today,” he said.
“I hit a lot of fairways and if I hit a lot of fairways I’m usually going to play pretty well.
“I was controlling my irons, especially the distance, pretty well today for the most part.
“I had a couple of loose shots but other than that I got it back together coming down the stretch and made two good birdies.”
More of that on Sunday and the American may well be celebrating his birthday as US Open champion next week.
“You couldn’t ask for a better present,” he said.
“This is what I go to the gym and do all the stuff that I do for, to be in a position like this to go out and have a chance to win a US Open.”
Latest
-
Ryder Cup
New Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
The task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA Tour
Tony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
News
Henrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
News
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.
-
News
Max Homa: Tiger Woods now understands the respect he commands from his peers
Homa has made no secret of his admiration for Woods.
-
Ryder Cup
Bernard Gallacher fears Greg Norman is not the man for compromise with LIV Golf
Players who have resigned from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf will not be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
LPGA Tour
Brooke Henderson takes two-shot lead into final round of Evian Championship
South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon climbed into outright second place on 15 under.