11 February 2024 , 00:27
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Dustin Johnson scooped the $4 million top prize by winning LIV Golf Las Vegas - and admitted he has “more drive and determination” after a tough 2023.
Johnson finished fifth in last year’s individual points list and struggled to get in contention in the four majors. However, he’s off to a hot start this season and edged victory in the second LIV Golf event of the year.
The big-hitting American was tied with Bryson DeChambeau entering the final day at The Las Vegas Country Club with Jon Rahm completing their marquee group. Johnson finished -1 in tough conditions to finish one shot clear of Talor Gooch and Peter Uihlein.
Speaking after the win, he admitted there’s been a change in his mindset and work ethic after being frustrated with his form last season. He said: “Yeah, last year I did not play very well. It kind of goes with how much effort I put into it, too. I obviously could have worked a lot harder than I did.
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“This year I've got a little more drive and determination because I don't enjoy not playing well. I enjoy playing well. I enjoy being up here talking to you guys after the week is over, and I really enjoy holding up the trophies at the end of the week.”
Johnson now enters a big stretch with three LIV Golf events before The Masters at Augusta in April. He’s full of confidence and determined to keep that run going.
He said: “Yeah, the game is feeling in really good form for this early in the year, and so I'm excited for the rest of the year. Obviously still got a lot of work to do. Take a couple days off, probably Sunday, Monday, and then get back to work on Tuesday.
“Obviously got a big stretch coming up with Saudi, Hong Kong, come back, Doral, and then the Masters. I want to be in good form for the foreseeable future at least. Got a lot of big tournaments.”
Johnson won by one shot after making a crucial birdie on the 17th hole (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Johnson was embraced by wife Paulina as he came off the 18th green in Las Vegas, with her dad, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, among those also watching on.
“It’s great,” Johnson said. “Obviously I had my wife Paulina here and then mother, father-in-law, my dad was here, and obviously my brother is on the bag. So it's always great when you have a bunch of friends and family around and you win.
“It doesn't seem like it happens that often, though, when you win when everyone is there. It was nice to get to enjoy that with them today, and hopefully we'll enjoy it a lot more.”