Dustin Johnson and Doral Redemption

Feature by Anand Datla

March 11, 2015: There is nearly a scent of fairy tale with Dustin Johnson’s come from behind victory at the WGC Cadillac Championships. The exiled golfer was playing just his fifth start since returning to the Tour after a six month hiatus from golf, which many thought was a suspension by the PGA Tour for substance related issues. Apparently, the break seems to have done the troubled golfer a world of good. On Sunday, Johnson recovered from a five shot deficit to overhaul J B Holmes and Bubba Watson and clinch the title. As he walked away with the trophy in Florida with his seven week old son and fiancee Paulina Gretzky on his arm, it was clear this was a moment of redemption that was hard to script.

“I knew I was really good,” Johnson said. “I knew there was something I was missing that could make me great. I was working hard on that, and I think it’s showing right now. I’m so excited right now, I can’t hardly talk. It feels great. This one definitely, by far, is the best one.”

Just a few months ago, the golfing world was lamenting at the frittering away of a brilliant talent, even as Johnson was forced to step away from the game to deal with his “personal issues.” There have been reports that Johnson may have failed as many as three tests for cocaine – something that the golfer has vehemently denied, instead admitting to a problem with drink. Whatever the reality might be, golf can be served well if Johnson can realise his potential by bringing the focus back on his game.

Spoilt by talent and wealth, Johnson seems to have lost his way. If the victory at Doral is anything to go by, Johnson seems to have used his time away very well. He has spent an extensive amount of time with Ice Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, whose mentorship and guidance could have been invaluable in shaping the attitude of this wayward golfer. “I mean to have a mentor or a role model, you don’t get any better than that,” admitted Johnson, speaking to SI.com on Gretzky.

The relationship with Gretzky’s daughter Paulina and the birth of his new child seems to have brought Johnson some perspective and balance. “It’s hard to describe, but just from the first day he’s born, your perspective on life completely changes. Things that were important aren’t important anymore. He’s kind of the only thing that’s really important, and being there for him and being a role model for him,” said Johnson in his post tournament comments.

The golfing world will hope that Johnson’s new found wisdom will stay with the golfer and finally help him realise the immense potential that is ever waiting to explode from his sumptuous bag of golfing tricks.