Dustin Johnson was among the players to battle their way around Royal Troon today in what proved to be brutal weather conditions in the end.
The Open is always a tough challenge but the rain and wind that got up later in the day around Troon proved to be a remarkable test of skill, patience, and mentality.
Scottie Scheffler was one of the big names to battle through and he had a stunning 3-wood on 17 to thank for keeping him level par for the round.
Justin Thomas was another big name to power through and he produced an excellent third round of four-under to be level par. Indeed, Thomas admitted he felt the front nine was very gettable and he delivered.
Fellow American Dustin Johnson is also only two over par and he’s in with a chance as well if he can make the most of things tomorrow.
However, just like Justin Thomas, Johnson has delivered a telling verdict on that treacherous back nine.
Dustin Johnson makes telling admission about the back nine at Royal Troon
Speaking after his round to the press after keeping himself in contention after struggling for most of the year, Johnson got onto the subject of if he actually enjoys the challenge.
And while he skirted the question a touch, Johnson did admit that the back nine at Royal Troon is as hard a nine holes as you can find in golf.
“I mean, the back nine, that’s the hardest nine holes I think you could ever play in golf right now, into the wind and rain,” Johnson said.
“I mean, it’s so long, I could barely reach. The par 4s, I had to smash 2 to get there, same with Brooks. That’s how long it was playing.”
Quite whether Johnson can produce enough to really get in contention tomorrow, remains to be seen.
But we saw with low rounds from the likes of Justin Thomas and Adam Scott, not to mention the brilliant six under pars from Sam Burns and Thriston Lawrence, that scoring is possible in the right conditions.
The Open 2024, then, is set for a thrilling finish tomorrow.
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