Dustin Johnson's major drought continues, with the two-time champion confirmed to be missing from The Open Championship next month – his first absence since making his debut in 2009 at Turnberry. The 42-year-old had been eyeing a return to Royal Birkdale, where he took a close second spot back in 2011, but it seems his priorities have shifted elsewhere.
This break from the majors comes after an impressive streak of 38 consecutive starts, which began when he missed the 2017 Masters. Despite a consistent record in golf's biggest tournaments, Johnson has struggled to find top form in recent major appearances, managing only one top-20 finish in his last 15 attempts.
As a prominent player on the LIV Golf tour, Johnson had already made an impact this year, cutting it fine at all three majors he competed in. His impressive CV boasts victories at the 2016 US Open and the 2020 Masters – but now, with no official reason given for his withdrawal, fans are left to speculate about his future priorities.
The process of qualifying for The Open is notoriously tough, with many top pros needing to fight for a spot through gruelling regional and final qualifying stages. With Johnson out of the picture, another aspiring golfer gets their chance to shine on one of golf's most iconic stages – but for now, fans are left wondering what might have been.
With his withdrawal from The Open, Johnson's schedule and commitments come under scrutiny, particularly given his allegiance to the LIV Golf series. Was it a strategic decision or something more? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – golf fans will be missing out on seeing the former world number one go head-to-head for the Claret Jug.