<h2>Dustin Johnson’s Masters Collapse Raises Doubts, But PGA Championship Offers a Final Lifeline</h2><strong>Another Augusta Letdown</strong>
Fans were left frustrated and disappointed after Dustin Johnson’s poor performance at the 2025 Masters. Despite his own words, “I’m playing better than I scored for sure,” the round told a different story. His hopes were dashed in the final stretch as he closed with a bogey and a double bogey, causing him to miss the cut—his second at Augusta National. Once seen as a dominant force following his 2020 Masters triumph, Johnson now finds himself battling inconsistency and missed opportunities.
<strong>Struggles in Recent Majors</strong>
Johnson’s issues on golf’s biggest stages haven’t been limited to Augusta. In the 2024 PGA Championship, he opened with a 2-over 73, failing to break into the top 100 initially. His final scores of 73-68-71-66 showcased a late push, but it wasn’t enough to significantly climb the leaderboard. Nonetheless, Johnson will still be teeing off at the 2025 PGA Championship, keeping alive his streak of major appearances since 2017.
🚨✉️⛳️ #INVITED — LIV Golf’s Dustin Johnson has received a special invitation to play next week’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, per @flushingitgolf. pic.twitter.com/Cr0IlDck6L
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) May 6, 2025
<strong>Why DJ Still Qualifies</strong>
His place at this year’s PGA Championship comes thanks to his 2020 Masters victory, which earned him a five-year exemption into major tournaments. However, 2025 marks the end of that exemption period. Whether he can extend his run based on merit remains to be seen.
<strong>History at the PGA Championship</strong>
Johnson has had a mixed record at the PGA Championship, averaging a 20th-place finish over his last seven appearances. He stumbled to 55th place at 9-over in 2023 but managed a tie for 43rd in 2024 at Valhalla, finishing with improved rounds.
<strong>A Course Built for His Strengths</strong>
Quail Hollow, the host venue for the 2025 PGA Championship, may offer Johnson the advantage he needs. Known for its length—over 7,500 yards—it’s a setup that benefits long hitters like DJ. His driver, often the strongest weapon in his arsenal, could be a key factor.
<strong>The Mechanics Behind His Power</strong>
Johnson’s driving technique stands out for several reasons. His wide stance and solid lower body create a powerful and stable base. Positioning the ball at his left heel optimizes launch angle and spin. During his takeaway, he maintains a triangle shape with his arms and shoulders, giving him width and allowing efficient weight transfer.
His swing’s power is enhanced by keeping his left heel down and limiting knee and hip movement, generating maximum coil. Finally, during the downswing, Johnson’s rapid upper body rotation allows the clubface to stay square through impact, promoting accuracy and consistency—especially with his trademark fade.
<strong>Can He Capitalize at Quail Hollow?</strong>
Despite recent setbacks, Dustin Johnson’s skills off the tee might give him a fighting chance. Quail Hollow’s layout could be the perfect platform for him to silence critics and prove he still belongs among the elite. Whether it’s a resurgence or a farewell, all eyes will be on DJ when he steps up for the PGA Championship.