A look at the top 10 Masters favorites for 2019: Part 1

Dustin Johnson

Image via Dustin Johnson

Age: 34
Odds:
+1000
Best Finish: T4 in 2016
2018 Finish: T10
2019 Wins/Top Finishes: T4 – Tournament of Champions, T9 – Genesis Open, 1st – WGC-Mexico Championship, T5 – The Players, T6 – Valspar Championship

Some how, Dustin Johnson only has one major championship win to his name. I can’t help but wonder how that is possible at this point in his career.

Johnson has had plenty of chances to capture more major wins, but there always seems to be something crazy happening to him in them. Even when he won the U.S. Open in 2016, Johnson had to deal with his ball moving on the green and being assessed a penalty later in the round.

I can’t say that this year feels different. Just last month, Johnson’s brother and caddie, Austin, slipped on some stairs at the Players Championship and broke his wrist. What is it with these two guys and stairs before the Masters?

Johnson’s ran away with a win at the WGC-Mexico Championship. He has learned to control his approach shots from the rough to the point that missing fairways left or right no longer hurts him and he showed that off in Mexico with four rounds under 68. This solid play has Johnson ranked second in strokes gained total behind only McIlroy.

This could be the year that Johnson finally gets a second major win under his belt.

Author: Michael Shamburger

Michael is the founder and Editor in Chief of The Stiff Shaft. He's spent 15+ years covering golf for TheBigLead, Golfweek, and Golf Channel. Don't follow the hive-think mentality. Do your own research and form your own opinions.