Dustin Johnson seeking Masters double

Having barely had time to catch a breath after Dustin Johnson’s dominant Masters triumph in November, the golf major is almost back upon us again, this year taking up its usual spring spot in the sport’s calendar. It will be a relief for many to see the famous Augusta National course in the spring once again, with the trees and azaleas in full budding bloom, and slightly more difficult playing conditions than we saw in the autumn.

Of course, irrespective of conditions and the time of year, Johnson would stand as the favourite in the bet exchange, such is his supreme form over the last couple of years. The world number one has finally started adding titles to back up his position at the top of the rankings, and he’ll have his sights set on all four majors in 2021.

While Johnson had been winning smaller tournaments in the build-up to last year’s Masters, it felt as though his failure to land many majors was playing against him in terms of his status withing the sport. He had come incredibly close on a number of occasions to adding to his 2016 US Open title, but things just hadn’t fallen the American’s way. However, at Augusta in November, everything fell into place for the 36-year-old, as he earned the famous Green Jacket by five clear strokes.

Johnson’s recent triumph at the Saudi International proved that he is still very much intent on winning as much as he can during this purple patch of form. With just over a month to go until the 2021 Masters, he’ll need to maintain that good form if he wants to defend his title.

Of course, doing so will be no mean feat. Only Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods have ever won the Masters on two consecutive occasions, and that represents the scale of the challenge facing Johnson if he is to do the same.

The fact that it is only five months or so since he won the 2020 Masters could well play into Johnson’s hand. He is still riding the crest of a wave on the back of that victory and the way he handled the course will still be fresh in his mind. There will be a strong sense of familiarity as he tees off at Augusta in April, and the memories of November will stand him in good stead to make a strong attempt to retain his crown.

There are plenty of players standing in his way. Rory McIlroy is the second favourite according to the betting market, and although the Northern Irishman has not won a major for some time, it feels as though a big win is just around the corner given the general high standard he is playing at. The likes of Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm will all have their sights set on landing a maiden Masters triumph, and so Johnson has plenty of big hitters that he’ll need to swat aside.

But then, Johnson’s current form is such that little seems to faze him. Despite the strong field of contenders that will line out at Augusta next month, he seems to be a golfer fully aware of his status as the best in the world at the moment. It would be no surprise if he produced another outstanding four rounds of golf to make it a quickfire double of Masters triumphs.