Dustin Johnson says limiting mistakes could produce Masters win

Dustin Johnson’s breakthrough at last year’s Masters Tournament could be the start of his being a perennial contender at Augusta National Golf Club.

Johnson, the long-hitting eight-time PGA Tour winner, had never cracked the top 30 in three Masters appearances.

But in 2013, he opened with a career-best 5-under-par 67 at Augusta National and was one shot off the lead. He rebounded from subsequent rounds of 76-74 to close with 70 and tie for 13th place.

“I finally got off to a good start there,” said Johnson, who was born and grew up in Columbia, about 70 miles from Augusta. “It’s a golf course I really enjoy playing. It sets up well for me. Last year was the first time I played pretty solid there for four rounds. I had a few mistakes. I feel like if I limit my mistakes this year I can contend for the green jacket.”

Johnson is primed to make a run at the Masters title this year. In his first six starts in the wraparound PGA Tour season, he finished in the top 10 five times, including a victory in the WGC-HSBC Championship and back-to-back runner-up finishes at Pebble Beach and Riviera.

Johnson has so much confidence that he has a quick response when reminded that the Masters is the lone major championship in which he hasn’t been in contention on the second nine in a final round.

“I will. Don’t worry,” he said.

It had been puzzling that Johnson, with all his talent, hadn’t played better at Augusta National before last year.

“It sets up good for me,” he said. “I draw the ball, and you’ve got to hit a lot of draws out there, which I love. I wouldn’t care if it didn’t set up good for me, I would still love it.”

The key to Johnson’s strong start this season has been his consistency.

“Like, with my swing,” he said. “Last year I was really inconsistent. I don’t know what it was, but I just didn’t, just wasn’t very consistent with my play. And then just a lot of it has to do with the short game and putting. I’ve been working hard on the putter and could still probably do a little more work in the bunkers.”

Johnson, whose drives averaged 305.8 yards on the PGA Tour last year, has enjoyed much of his success at Augusta National on the par-5s, all of which he can reach in two shots. Last year he played them in 7-under.

“If I play those well, I’ll shoot a good score,” Johnson said. “There’s a few holes – Nos. 9, 10, 11, and 12 – are tough holes. If you can play those even par, then that’s good. I’ll take it every time. And then take advantage of the par‑5s.”

One change for Johnson heading into this Masters is his caddie. Younger brother Austin will be on the bag for the first time. They started working together in November, and they’ve clicked.

“It will be awesome,” Johnson said. ”He’s done a great job. We’ve had a lot of success this year. He keeps me focused. I’m excited for him to be there. I know he’s going to be real excited to be caddying at Augusta. We grew up right down the street. Augusta is always a special place for us.”