2011 Masters Favorites: What to Expect from Dustin Johnson This Year

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Last Year's Hotshot Hoping to Land First Major Championship

Twice last year Dustin Johnson found himself in contention at majors, the U.S. Open and PGA Championship.

Both of those tourneys ended with major disappointment. After leading the field at Pebble Beach through three rounds, he posted a maddening 82. Then there was the nightmare penalty at the close of the final round at Whistling Straits.

Still, Johnson had a 2010 with two wins. This year, he's off to a curious start. He was the runner-up three weeks ago at the World Golf Championship, his third Top 10 in eight starts. But he's also missed the cut at two of his last four tourneys.

That resume has him, according to Vegas, fifth in line to win the green jacket this year, behind Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Nick Watney and Lee Westwood.

"I'm starting to play pretty good, and I feel my game is getting a lot better, so I'm definitely comfortable coming in here," Johnson said. "I know the course pretty well. I've played it a few times leading up to this week, and I feel I'm getting more comfortable on the greens, which is the key for me."

You've got to like Johnson's chances this week at Augusta. He is one of the longest hitters on Tour (third in average distance) and now has plenty of the late final-round major championship experience under his belt.

But he's also been pretty sharp with his low irons, something critical given his distance. Johnson is 17th in greens in regulation.

It's surprising that Johnson is flying a bit under the radar; besides the usual Tiger/Phil hoopla, Nick Watney is the current Tour "flavor of the month" while everyone continues to wait on Lee Westwood to win a major.

But come Sunday night, Johnson might be the one who escapes with his first major, the green jacket, and all the buzz.

For more on the Masters, see Swing for the Fences: Top 25 Performances in Masters History.

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