Dustin Johnson sends PGA warning: “I still feel like I'm one of the best players in the world”

Dustin Johnson believes his game is in the right place to compete for a third career major title and a first PGA Championship, as he prepares for next week’s event at Aronimink Golf Club after receiving a special invitation from the PGA of America.

“I feel like the game’s good enough where I feel like I can compete,” Johnson said, speaking to LIV Golf’s Matt Vincenzi. 

“I’d love to get a PGA Championship. But I feel like the game’s finally in good enough form where I can compete and contend. That’s the goal going into next week.”

Johnson, the 4Aces GC captain, continues his extraordinary run of major appearances, with next week marking his 69th consecutive start in a major championship and extending an 18-year streak at golf’s biggest events.

“I've been qualified for every major for a long time,” said the LIV Golf star. 

“So yeah, I'm definitely very excited to play. The PGA of America, we've got a great relationship. I've supported them for a long time. I'm very, very thankful that they gave me an invite. And very honored.”

The 41-year-old American has two major titles to his name, winning the U.S. Open at Oakmont in 2016 before capturing the Masters at Augusta National in 2020, and remains convinced he can still add to that tally.

“I still feel like I’m one of the best players in the world,” said the former world number one, who is now ranked 468th in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). 

Johnson’s form has fluctuated in recent seasons, but he pointed to a steady improvement in his long game as a key reason for renewed optimism heading into Aronimink.

“I went through a little slump there for about a year where I wasn’t driving it great, but the game’s starting to come around.

“I’ve been playing better the last six months or so. Driving is the biggest part of my game and it’s coming back.”

As his driver returns to form, Johnson believes the rest of his game is beginning to fall back into place, especially on the greens. 

“Now I’m able to focus on my short game, putting, and wedges again like when I was playing my best. The putter’s been huge — it gives you confidence throughout the whole bag.”

While he has not recorded a top-10 finish in a major since the 2023 U.S. Open, Johnson insists the belief remains intact as he returns to a venue that will test every part of his game.

“I’ve been playing better the last six months or so. That’s the goal going into next week.”

Johnson also has strong history at the PGA Championship, finishing tied fifth in 2010 at Whistling Straits and finishing runner-up in both 2019 and 2020, while Aronimink is a familiar setting after he played the 2018 BMW Championship there.

With a quick turnaround following this week’s LIV Golf Virginia, Johnson heads into the PGA Championship with renewed belief that his game is finally aligning at the right time.