Witnessing the decline of a sports legend is never easy, and in the world of golf, this sentiment reverberates particularly as we observe the waning careers of icons like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. These veterans, once the embodiment of the sport’s pinnacle, are now battling the inevitable tide of time. The spectacle is a poignant reminder of their past glory, with Woods’ transformation from a world dominator to a struggling contender being especially disheartening.
Yet, golf is a sport replete with comebacks. When Woods clinched the 2019 Masters, it was a testament to the power of resilience, a beacon for all those battling their personal nadirs. Similarly, Mickelson’s 2021 PGA Championship triumph at Kiawah Island proved that age is but a number in this sport.
However, the concern today lies with a relatively younger champion, a two-time major winner who is showing signs of an impending twilight. Former world number one, Dustin Johnson, aged 40, is struggling to recapture his former glory in the LIV Golf League.
Johnson’s form in the last 12 months has been a far cry from his heyday. His performance at the Singapore event in 2024 marked the beginning of a downward spiral, with no top-ten finishes since. The last time he tasted victory was in Las Vegas in February of the same year.
His struggles continued in major tournaments, with a disappointing 31st place finish at The Open Championship in 2024, and missed cuts at The Masters and US Open. His recent performance at the LIV’s Hong Kong event further cemented the belief that his golden days may be behind him.
Fans and followers of the sport have taken to social media, expressing their concerns and theories about Johnson’s lackluster performances. Some believe he has lost his competitive edge, while others speculate that he doesn’t care as much about the sport anymore.
Fellow golfer Kevin Kisner also chimed in on the debate, suggesting in a recent podcast appearance that Johnson’s game was no longer world-class. Despite the bleak outlook, the question remains: Is Dustin Johnson truly past his peak?
While the answer seems to veer towards the affirmative, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of another major win. Golf history is studded with instances of older players making a comeback, as evidenced by Tom Watson’s near-win at the 2009 Open Championship at the age of 60, as well as the recent feats of Woods and Mickelson.
Therefore, while Johnson’s consistency may have faltered, it does not definitively signal the end. The possibility of him rallying to deliver a string of strong performances at crucial moments remains, a testament to the unpredictable and captivating nature of the sport.
