Johnson's 'Two Rabbits'... "Title Defense and World Ranking No. 1"

At the Travelers Championship, 'US Open Redemption Launch', Watson's 4th Win Attempt, DeChambeau and Mickelson Join, Kim Si-woo Leads for Korea

Dustin Johnson has embarked on a "two-bird hunt" to defend his title and reclaim the world No. 1 ranking at the Travelers Championship.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Going for two rabbits."

‘Number 2’ Dustin Johnson is aiming to defend his title. On the night of the 24th (Korean time), the PGA Tour Travelers Championship (total prize money $7.4 million) opens at River Highlands TPC in Cromwell, Connecticut (par 70, 6,841 yards). Last year, he claimed the top spot on the third day with a daily best of 9-under par at this ‘Promised Land.’ ‘The Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau has joined the race for the championship, followed by the ‘oldest major champion’ Phil Mickelson (all from the USA).

Johnson recorded four wins including three in the 2020 season and one in the 2021 season, and in November, he set the record for the lowest winning score at the ‘Fall Masters’ (20-under par 268). This year, he gained momentum by winning the European Tour’s Saudi International in February. His cut-off at the Masters in April was unexpected. He also withdrew from the AT&T Byron Nelson in May due to knee pain, suffering from overlapping injuries. After dedicated rehabilitation, he got back on track with a top 10 finish at the Palmetto Championship on the 13th.

It is interesting that he finished tied for 19th at the 121st US Open, which ended on the 21st, losing the world No. 1 ranking to Jon Rahm (Spain). For Johnson, this is truly a ‘revenge launch.’ The difference is only 0.36 points, and winning this tournament could reclaim the top spot. DeChambeau is in a similar situation. Starting the final day tied for 4th, he faltered with a 6-over par performance and finished tied for 26th, failing to secure a ‘second consecutive win.’ Mickelson’s hopes for a ‘career Grand Slam’ were dashed, leaving him disappointed.

Bubba Watson aims for his fourth victory at the Travelers Championship, following his wins in 2010, 2015, and 2018.

The ‘top favorite’ is Bubba Watson (USA). He has been particularly strong in this tournament, winning three times in 2010, 2015, and 2018. His first PGA Tour win was in 2010, and in 2015, he defeated Paul Casey (England) on the second hole of a playoff. In 2018, he secured a ‘3-stroke victory.’ Patrick Cantlay is another contender. He is eyeing his third win already, following the Zozo Championship in October last year (counted in the 2021 season) and the Memorial Championship on the 6th.

Locally, Ricky Fowler’s (also USA) comeback shot is a hot topic off the course. On the 22nd, he revealed on social media that "his wife Allison is pregnant and they expect a daughter in November." His urgent goal is to break his winless streak since the Phoenix Open in February 2019. From Korea, Im Sung-jae (23) is resting, while American Express champion Kim Si-woo (26), AT&T Byron Nelson winner Lee Kyoung-hoon (30), Kang Sung-hoon (34), and An Byeong-hun (30) are all looking for opportunities.