Dustin Johnson feels game is ready for Masters breakthrough

If Dustin Johnson is hoping to gain ground on Bryson DeChambeau in a bulking-up contest, the world’s No. 1 player is at the right venue. Following Tuesday’s practice round, Johnson was asked to name his favorite tournament tradition.

“For me,” Johnson said. “I don't know if it's really a tradition, but my favorite thing about the Masters is the sandwiches.”

When pressed to reveal his pick of choice, DJ said, “All of them.”

Johnson arrived at Augusta National this week on the short list of favorites. The 36-year-old has placed in the top 10 in each of his last four Masters appearances, including a runner-up finish in 2019.

Johnson will tee off at noon Thursday alongside Patrick Cantlay and Rory McIlroy.

“I'm playing good enough golf,” Johnson said. “If I can put myself in position come Sunday, I like my chances. But we've got to get there first.”

Photos: Tuesday Practice Round

Johnson compared the state of his game to when he arrived in 2017 having won his previous three starts. That year, however, Johnson had to withdraw after injuring his back during a fall at his rental home.

“I would say it's really similar,” Johnson said. “Very similar. Obviously I was playing great coming into the Masters in 2017, but (my game) is really similar to what it was then.”

Johnson then stated, “I’m playing the best golf of my career.”

Johnson played nine holes Monday, before adding another nine on Tuesday with Phil Mickelson, Xander Schauffele and McIlroy. Johnson noted that the course was playing “about the same” as in April, with the primary difference being the missing patrons.

As Johnson walked to No. 16 tee box, he considered skipping a ball across the pond, before realizing no one was there to watch.

“There weren't any patrons yelling at you to skip it, so I just kept on going,” Johnson said.

Still, come Sunday afternoon, Johnson understands what’s at stake.

“It's a different feeling out there, and it's going to be a different feeling throughout the week,” Johnson said. “But it's still the Masters and there's still a green jacket on the line.”