Six years is both a long time and a short time. Yes, 2031 may sound like a fake year, but it’ll be here before you know it. And Dustin Johnson is already planning ahead in a way that few would expect.
While speaking to the AP’s Doug Ferguson, DJ admitted that he’s already thinking about how much golf he’s got left in him. He’s been a professional since 2007 (almost 20 years) and is letting his mind begin to wander and ponder what’s next. There’s wife and photo partner, Paulina Gretzky, of course, but also the deep blue sea.
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“I think I’ve got another six years in me,” Johnson told Ferguson, before dropping a seemingly random plan. “I can grind for another six years. And then I’m going fishing.”
This is far from the first time Johnson has mentioned his love of fishing, posting his best catches here and there, and yet, we’ll believe this retirement when we see it. Despite a bit of a lull over his last few years in the majors, Johnson had a T-10 just two US Opens ago and won LIV Golf Las Vegas in 2024. Perhaps an Oakmont renaissance is in play. This is technically his title defence. “I want to get back,” Johnson has said. “Because I know I’ve still got it.”
The two-time major winner has missed five of his last seven major cuts and still feels like he’s a swing or two away from finding his championship form, saying that he feels “really close” and just needs to “clean” some things up.
You might be wondering if Johnson will test out the Champions Tour one day. Well, Johnson’s also thinking that one over. There’s still plenty of time, at least. He’s only 40. “I’ve always said if I’m playing the Champions tour, something really, really went wrong,” Johnson admitted. “But with me, there’s always that chance.”
We’ll find out soon enough if the old Johnson is back or if we’re stuck with Old DJ. Either way, it’s nice that he has something to look forward to on the horizon. Hopefully, it’s not too close on the horizon.
