The way he’s playing right now, Dustin Johnson could make just about any course on the planet his personal playground. Doesn’t matter if it’s in America, Saudi Arabia or on the moon.
That said, there is an undeniable love affair between DJ and this week’s Genesis Invitational host site – Riviera Country Club. Since 2014, Riviera has been a happy hunting ground for Johnson.
Again, Johnson is currently playing at a level where he could win anywhere, but he’ll be feeling extra comfortable this week in LA. As stats guru Justin Ray pointed out earlier this week, the world No. 1 is almost second to none at ‘Riv’ since 2014. Check out these eye-popping numbers:
.@DJohnsonPGA ranks at Riviera CC since 2014 (among players with 12+ rounds)
Scoring average – 1st
Score to par – 1st
Bogey avoidance – 1st
Drives of 300 or more – 1st
One putts – 1st
SG Total – 1st
SG Tee to Green – 1st— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) February 15, 2021
OK, so he’s statistically second to none, and that’s in a pool of 106 players, as Ray later pointed out. However, in the win column, he is second to Bubba Watson, who has won three times at Riviera since 2014. Johnson claimed only one win during that span, though it was of the dominant, five-stroke variety. That week, a slumping, injured Watson withdrew on the Saturday.
Johnson is the heavy betting favourite this week. Given his current form, it isn’t all that surprising. But the field strength is as good as it gets this week, with the likes of Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka all teeing it up.
