Butch Harmon has delivered a blunt evaluation of Dustin Johnson’s latest kind, suggesting the previous Masters champion “got a little lazy” throughout his time on LIV Golf however is now rediscovering his work ethic.
Speaking throughout the second spherical of The Masters, Harmon — who coached Johnson between 2010 and 2017 — supplied uncommon perception into the two-time main champion’s present mindset and preparation.
Harmon, 82, performed a pivotal position in shaping Johnson into one in all golf’s most dominant forces throughout their partnership.
The famend golf coach, who famously labored with Tiger Woods from 1993 to 2004, helped sharpen Johnson’s wedge play, launched a managed fade off the tee, and strengthened his psychological strategy — enhancements that led to 14 PGA Tour titles throughout their time collectively, together with a breakthrough main title at the 2016 U.S. Open.
Johnson later added a second main at the 2020 Masters underneath Butch’s son, Claude Harmon III.
Fast ahead to this Friday at Augusta National and Harmon — working for Sky Sports Golf — initially famous how little Johnson has featured on the radar not too long ago.
As the American stood over a 15-foot birdie putt on the par-5 eighth, Harmon remarked: “We haven’t seen much of Dustin lately.”
That prompted co-commentator and 2002 PGA champion Rich Beem to ask whether or not Harmon nonetheless sees a lot of his former pupil.
Harmon revealed the pair had been again involved simply days earlier than the event. Johnson had reached out searching for recommendation on his swing, admitting he was struggling to determine a fault.
“I sent him a video of his swing from 2017,” Harmon defined. “I told him, ‘copy that’—and I’ll send you the bill.”
The change drew laughter within the commentary field, however Harmon quickly turned critical after Johnson rolled in his birdie putt.
“He’s back to working hard again,” Harmon stated. “He got a little lazy for a while over on LIV, but he’s got his body back in shape.”
Harmon made an honest admission about Johnson
Johnson, now 41, was among the many first marquee names to affix the Saudi-backed LIV Golf in 2022 and at present captains 4Aces GC.
While he has claimed three particular person titles on the circuit, his most up-to-date victory got here in February 2024.
Despite that drought, his group has impressed this season with consecutive wins in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Questions stay over how lengthy Johnson will proceed competing at the very best stage.
The former world primary has beforehand indicated he doesn’t plan to play senior golf, as a substitute aiming to step away quickly to give attention to household life together with his spouse Paulina Gretzky and their two youngsters.
For now, although, Harmon’s feedback recommend Johnson might not be completed simply but.
