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U.S. Open Power Rankings: Top 10 contenders at Shinnecock Hills

By Mike Randleman

The clubhouse during the final round of the 2004 U. S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, June 20, 2004. Scenic Golf (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
The clubhouse during the final round of the 2004 U. S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, June 20, 2004. Scenic Golf (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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OAKMONT, PA – JUNE 19: Dustin Johnson of the United States poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club on June 19, 2016 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
OAKMONT, PA – JUNE 19: Dustin Johnson of the United States poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club on June 19, 2016 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) /

Rarely does a six-month wait feel like a long time coming for a PGA Tour pro. Rare are the likes of our reclaimed world No. 1 Dustin Johnson.

Albeit against a weak field, Johnson asserted his dominance to win by six last week in Memphis. It was a similar jaw-dropping performance to win at the season-opening Tournament of Champions

.DJ’s won every year on Tour and most would agree he should have more than just his one major at the 2016 U.S. Open.

Shinnecock sets up well for Johnson to add to his trophy case. The reasonable fairways put driver in hand perhaps more than most U.S. Open venues.

“I’ve got aIot a lot of confidence in the golf game right now,” Johnson said Saturday. “I feel like I’m swinging really well. I’ve got a lot of control of my golf ball, and that’s what you’re looking for going into any week. But yeah, especially going into [Sunday] and then obviously next week.”

Johnson is first on Tour in total strokes gained and first off the tee. He’s 20th in SG putting.

His touch around the greens has improved substantially in recent years and is the difference between winning once or twice a year to three, four or more.

The stats show winners before the week of a major don’t fare well. For DJ, though, it seems like a jolt of confidence just at the right time.

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