Dustin Hunter Johnson, born in Columbia, South Carolina, on June 22, 1984, emerged as a force in professional golf with a power-based game that kept him among the tour leaders in driving distance for over a decade. His transition from college athlete to global competitor involved securing major championships and maintaining lengthy tenures as the world number one ranked golfer.
Early Development and Amateur Success
Before joining the professional ranks, Johnson played collegiate golf at Coastal Carolina University, where he focused on Sports Management. His amateur career included victories at the 2007 Monroe Invitational and the 2007 Northeast Amateur. He also represented his country as a member of the winning 2007 Walker Cup and Palmer Cup teams.
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Johnson turned professional in late 2007 and qualified for the 2008 PGA Tour by tying for 14th place at the qualifying school in December. He secured his first tour victory at the Turning Stone Resort Championship in October 2008. By February 2009, he claimed his second title at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, overcoming a field that included Mike Weir and Retief Goosen.
Major Championship Performance
Johnson claimed two major titles during his career. He won the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club with a score of 276 and the 2020 Masters Tournament, where he set a record with a 268 total. Before these victories, he secured runner-up finishes at the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St George's and the 2015 U.S. Open.
Global Rankings and Tour Transitions
In February 2017, Johnson reached the top of the Official World Golf Ranking, holding that position for 64 consecutive weeks. In total, he spent 135 weeks as world number one. While a long-time member of the PGA Tour, where he won titles in 14 consecutive seasons, he resigned in June 2022 to join the LIV Golf League.
Fast facts
- Born: 22 June 1984, Columbia, South Carolina
- College: Coastal Carolina University
- Professional debut: 2007
- Major titles: 2016 U.S. Open, 2020 Masters Tournament
- World Golf Championships wins: 6
- Weeks ranked world number one: 135
- PGA Tour career start: 2008
- LIV Golf League entry: 2022
Questions readers ask
How many major championships has Dustin Johnson won?
He has won two major championships: the 2016 U.S. Open and the 2020 Masters Tournament.
When did Dustin Johnson join the LIV Golf League?
He resigned from the PGA Tour in June 2022 to join the LIV Golf League.
