‘A nightmare’ is how fans define Dustin Johnson’s 2025 Masters performance despite DJ claiming and acknowledging, “I’m playing better than I scored for sure. Didn’t score very well.” So, what went down in the second round? The most striking moment of DJ’s second round at the Masters came as he stumbled to the finish, closing with a bogey followed by a double bogey, which dashed his weekend plans. This marked the second time he missed the cut at Augusta National. But for a golfer who once seemed ready to gobble up every major after the 2020 Masters win, all is still not lost. He has another shot at a major.

In 2024, he struggled at the PGA Championship, to say the least. After missing the cut at the Masters in 2024, he opened the PGA with a disappointing 2-over 73, placing him outside the top 100. His end scores were 73-68-71-66, which perhaps did not reflect his gameplay well. However, despite his poor performances in majors in recent times, DJ will be back in play at the PGA Championship this year.

Yes, you read that right. DJ is still in the game with the rest of the elite roster at Quail Hollow this year. According to the latest news from Flushing It Golf, the American will compete in the PGA Championship, continuing his hot streak of playing in every major since 2017. But how did he qualify? Well, it’s thanks to his 2020 Masters win.

According to the Masters eligibility criteria, a Masters winner receives a five-year exemption for majors, including the PGA. However, this will be the last season Johnson has an exemption for the PGA Championship, as it is set to expire this year. But is it a promising place for DJ?

Dustin Johnson, who has averaged a 20th-place finish and a score of 3-under par over his last seven appearances at the PGA Championship, struggled in 2023 with a 55th-place finish at 9-over par but showed improvement in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club, finishing at T43 with scores of 73-68-71-66. However, beyond history, something else may work in his favor this year.

Dustin Johnson’s driving may work in his favor at Quail Hollow

Dustin Johnson’s performances may be a mixed bag on the course; however, one particular aspect of his gameplay has consistently impressed those around him. Earlier this year, Phil Mickelson remarked, “I watched you hit your drive on the first hole, and I was like, wow!” This sentiment echoes a 2021 statement from Butch Harmon, DJ’s former coach and a renowned swing coach, who referred to the golfer as “a genius on the golf course.”

In February of this season, The Lefty discussed what aspect of DJ’s gameplay impressed him the first time they played together. “What was weird was I hadn’t seen a swing like yours with the acceleration and the way your body stays in position. I was just blown away by your speed and power. It just stood out,” Mickelson said in the video. So, how will this strength, which fellow professionals and swing coaches rave about, work in DJ’s favor at Quail Hollow?

Here’s the oppurtunity: Quail Hollow is one of the most favorable courses for long hitters, stretching over 7,500 yards, which poses a greater challenge for shorter players. If DJ’s driving performance this season is any indication, this may work well in his favor. Here’s what he’s doing right with his driver.

Dustin Johnson’s great driving skills come from his strong stance, which provides a solid base for his swing. His wide stance and strong legs help him stay steady and create resistance as he turns his upper body during the backswing. By placing the ball at his left heel, he makes a smart choice that helps him achieve the best launch angle and spin rate, increasing his club speed.

As Johnson starts his takeaway, he forms a perfect triangle with his arms and shoulders while moving away from the ball. This action gives him excellent width in his backswing and allows his weight to shift to his right side without tilting away from the target. He keeps his left heel planted and restricts the movement of his knees and hips, creating the resistance needed to generate substantial power.

Lastly, the speed at which Johnson rotates during his downswing helps him hit the ball hard and is also important for his accuracy. If he didn’t turn his upper body back to the ball quickly and strongly, the clubface would struggle to stay straight, which could lead to pulls and hooks. By the time the club hits the ball, his hips have already moved aside, letting his body rotation help his arms reach the ball and keep the club straight. This movement makes it easy for him to consistently hit his favorite fade off the tee. Will these points work in his favor? We will see you in a week!