Challenges Faced by Dustin Johnson: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Dustin Johnson's life and career.

Dustin Johnson is a highly accomplished American professional golfer. He boasts two major championships, securing the 2016 U.S. Open and the 2020 Masters Tournament, where he set a record score. His career highlights include six World Golf Championships victories, placing him second only to Tiger Woods in that category, and being the only golfer to win all four World Golf Championship events. Since 2022, Johnson has been a participant in The LIV Golf League.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2009: Reported Positive Drug Test for Marijuana in 2009

There were reports that in 2009 Dustin Johnson tested positive for marijuana.

2010: Penalty at 2010 PGA Championship

During the final round of the 2010 PGA Championship, Dustin Johnson received a two-stroke penalty for grounding his club in a bunker, dropping him to a tie for fifth place after initially appearing to tie for first.

2010: Trouble in Final Round of 2010 U.S. Open

Dustin Johnson took a three-shot lead into the final round of the 2010 U.S. Open but struggled, shooting an 82 to finish tied for eighth place.

2012: Back Injury and Return to Competition in 2012

In March 2012, Dustin Johnson incurred a back injury at home, causing him to miss over two months of the season. He returned to competition in late May at the Memorial Tournament and finished tied for 19th. He won the FedEx St. Jude Classic the following week.

2012: Reported Positive Drug Test for Cocaine in 2012

There were reports that in 2012 Dustin Johnson tested positive for cocaine.

July 31, 2014: Taking Time Off for Personal Challenges

On July 31, 2014, Dustin Johnson announced that he was taking the rest of the season off to seek professional help for "personal challenges".

2015: Fell Out of Contention at 2015 Open Championship

After leading the 2015 Open Championship after 36 holes, Dustin Johnson shot two rounds of 75 on the weekend to fall out of contention.

2015: Missed Putt at 2015 U.S. Open

At the 2015 U.S. Open, Dustin Johnson missed a short putt on the 18th hole to give the title to Jordan Spieth, after holding a share of the lead heading into the final round.

July 9, 2016: Withdrew from 2016 Summer Olympics

On July 9, 2016, Dustin Johnson confirmed that he would not be participating in the 2016 Summer Olympics due to concerns over the Zika virus.

2017: Injured Prior to 2017 Masters Tournament

Prior to the 2017 Masters Tournament, Dustin Johnson fell down a staircase and suffered a back injury, leading to his withdrawal from the event.

September 2018: Ryder Cup Participation and Loss

In September 2018, Dustin Johnson qualified for the U.S. team participating in the 2018 Ryder Cup, where the U.S. team lost to the European team. Johnson went 1-4-0 and lost his singles match.

September 30, 2018: Alleged Disagreement at Ryder Cup

On the evening of September 30, 2018, after the U.S. team lost the Ryder Cup, it was alleged that Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka had to be separated after a disagreement.