Dustin Johnson hopes to end drought for world No. 1’s

It’s been 12 years since the world’s No. 1 golfer has won the Masters Tournament.

None of those players was named Dustin Johnson.

“I don’t know,” said Johnson, when asked about the drought. “This is the first time I’ve ever been the favorite.”

Johnson has been on a tear in 2017, posting consecutive wins at Los Angeles, Mexico City and the Match Play in Austin, Texas.

Since last April, he’s won six tournaments, including his first major championship (U.S. Open at Oakmont) and three World Golf Championship events.

PHOTOS: Johnson's Tuesday Practice Round

In 2016, Johnson was in contention at the Masters and finished tied for fourth. It was his best appearance in seven starts at Augusta.

“Hopefully I’m coming on the back nine with a chance to win,” said Johnson, looking ahead to this weekend. “Obviously, I’m playing well coming into this week, so hopefully I can continue that success. I’m looking forward to giving myself a chance to win on Sunday.”

For that to happen, Johnson admits that his game will have to continue to be in top form.

“I’ve always liked the course – always thought it suits my game very well,” he said of Augusta National. “It’s a tough golf course, and everything in your bag needs to be working for you to play well around here. The last couple years, I’ve done a little better and felt like I’ve had a chance.”

Johnson is aware that weather could become a factor.

On Thursday and Friday, the National Weather Service is predicting winds of at least 20 mph. There’s also a chance of rain throughout the day today .

“With the wind, the golf course is going to play very difficult,” he said. “My short game is going to be very important around here. If it’s blowing 27 miles per hour like the forecast says, it’s going to be tough to hit the greens. You’re going to have to be careful where you hit it and try to make pars.”

As hot as Johnson has been this season, the only thing that might equal his success is collegiate athletics in his native state.

On Sunday, the South Carolina women’s basketball team won its first NCAA title. Earlier this year, Clemson captured the NCAA football title, and Johnson’s alma mater (Coastal Carolina) won the 2016 NCAA baseball title.

“We’ve been on a good run,” Johnson said. “The (South Carolina) women won the other night, which was nice, and Coastal won baseball.”

Johnson, a Gamecocks fan raised in Columbia, briefly paused before congratulating the football champions.

“I hate to say it, but Clemson also won football,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever hear the end of that.”