Dustin Johnson Sounds Off on the US Open: I’m Going There to Win

Do you prepare differently for the Majors?

Especially when it’s at different venues, I’ll spend a little more time on the course. At the U.S. Open, I’ll spend more time getting my lines, the clubs I’ll be hitting off the tee, and putting together a game plan. In that aspect I’ll prepare a little differently than a normal tour event

But as far as my normal routine, it doesn’t really change going into a major. I try [to work hard all year] and I’m definitely doing better at it this year especially with my workout routine.

Have you ever been to Chambers Bay, a new venue for the US Open?
I’ve never been before but I’m looking forward to it. I saw a little bit of it when they played the US Am there. From talking to the guys, it will be a lot different than the US Am

Based on some reports (and Ian Poulter’s Twitter account) it seems there are concerns about the course. Have you heard any of that chatter and do you have any concerns?  
I haven’t heard any of that. For one, it doesn’t matter. We are playing the US Open. I’m going there to win. From what I hear, it’s great. The fairways are fairly wide, on and around the greens (are where the challenge is). I’ll spend a lot of time around the greens chipping and putting to see what it’s like; to see where you can and can’t miss it to get up and down. It’s the US Open, so you just assume it’s going to play tough. I’m looking forward to it. I like going new places and figuring out new golf courses.

Locally, what are your three favorite Myrtle Beach golf courses?
TPC Myrtle Beach is one of my favorites. I always enjoy playing it. It’s just a great golf course. It has a good variety of golf holes and it’s tough. It challenges you, and it’s fun to play.

The Dunes Club is another one of my favorites. It’s one of the only courses that is on the beach. It’s another good track – it’s tough, it has length to it. Those are the kind of courses I like.

Caledonia is a cool course. It used to be a fishing and hunting club. It’s just a fun golf course to play. The drive in with the mossy oaks, it’s just a cool drive. They really do a great job there.

As a longtime resident and visitor to the Grand Strand, what restaurants would you recommend?
Sea Merchants in North Myrtle. I used to go there with my Grandma all the time, and they have really good food. Banditos is right on the beach, has good food and I own part of it! Any of the restaurants in Murrells Inlet are really good. My favorite (there) is probably Divine Fish House. New York Prime is my favorite for sure. I go there everyone time I’m here.