What Phil Mickelson found ‘weird’ about Dustin Johnson’s swing when they played together for the first time

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During his prime, few players dominated in the same way Dustin Johnson did on the PGA Tour.

24 victories, one FedEx Cup crown, a green jacket and $75m in prize money – Johnson certainly had an impressive career.

What’s more, Johnson’s major championship haul could have been more significant. Johnson finished runner-up at the 2019 Masters and famously missed a putt to win the 2015 US Open at Chambers Bay. Furthermore, at the 2010 PGA Championship, Johnson was penalised on the 72nd hole after grounding his club in a bunker.

The now LIV Golf star brought power and athleticism, which was by no means commonplace on the PGA Tour. To some extent, Johnson was the trailblazer for the big-hitting stars of today: Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas and Bryson DeChambeau, to name a few.

Phil Mickelson’s first meeting with Dustin Johnson

Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson has witnessed Johnson’s exploits up close, and the lefty could tell the South Carolina-born star was unique.

In a recent YouTube video released on his channel, Mickelson discussed one of his first rounds with Johnson.

“We went out and played, and I watched you hit your drive on the first hole, and I am like, wow! We played for a little bit of money; it might have been $100 or whatever,” Mickelson said.

“You shot like five or six under on the front nine and I remember saying to Keith ‘Dude what is this all about?’. What was weird was I hadn’t seen a swing like yours with the acceleration and the way your body stays in position. I was just blown away by your speed and power. It just stood out.”

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When Dustin Johnson last won on LIV Golf

Johnson’s form has dipped slightly since he quit the PGA Tour and signed for LIV. However, he hasn’t been entirely immune to victories.

The 40-year-old finished tied for fifth in Mayakoba before winning the LIV Golf’s Las Vegas event in February 2024. After his success in Nevada, the American struggled to maintain his form on the Saudi-backed league.

Johnson’s major championship form was also underwhelming last year. He missed the cut at the Masters and US Open, finished T43 at the PGA Championship, and tied for 31st at the Open.

As is the case with most of the world’s best players, Johnson’s career will be measured in majors, and there’s no doubt he’s targeting a grand slam before he calls time on his playing days.