2021 Palmetto Championship: Top 10 power rankings at Congaree

Dustin Johnson is teeing it up in his home state for the second time in a row. The last time did not go the way the South Carolinian hoped when he missed the cut last month at the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island.

Perhaps a different test like Congaree will better suit his eye. The crowds should be at his side as he grew up about two hours north in Irmo.

There’s no doubt Johnson is slumping. At least by his lofty standards. There have still been glimpses in 2021 with three top-15s in his last seven events.

The former Coastal Carolina Chanticleer cited an ailing knee for withdrawing from the AT&T Byron Nelson prior to the PGA Championship. It’s possible he was just wanting the rest prior to the PGA, but it’s easy to speculate if he’s not 100%.

It’s also likely he just needs to get back to the drawing board and shore up things on and around the green.

Johnson is 23rd on the PGA Tour in strokes gained off the tee (.477) and 29th in SG approach (.47) so the ball striking is right there.

Thick rough can actually help powerful players like DJ, so a lack of it at Congaree may bring shorter hitters into the fold. Nonetheless, when you’re outside the top 100 in fairway accuracy like he is, maybe a sandy lie is preferable to a club full of grass.

All it takes is one good showing and it’s very easy to talk yourself back into DJ winning his second U.S. Open next week.

He’ll give us a taste of more to come with a high finish at Congaree.