AUGUSTA, Ga. – In the 2026 Masters, Dustin Johnson, captain of the 4Aces GC and the tournament's 2020 champion, finished tied for 33rd among a field of 91 players that included ten from LIV Golf. Johnson's performance showcased a mix of highs and lows as he battled through four rounds at Augusta National.
In the final round, Johnson marked his best effort of the week with a bogey-free 3-under 69. He displayed exceptional ball-striking skills throughout, maintaining control and not dropping a shot, which was particularly impressive given the tough course conditions. “Yeah, the conditions are tough. This golf course is tough,” said Johnson. “I feel like I hung in there really nicely. I got off to a really nice start, just lipped out a bunch of putts early and then kind of hung in there... I’m really pleased with my performance today, especially given the weather.”
His technique, especially with the putter, was a highlight, having gained more than two strokes over the field during Round 2 where he shot a 1-under 71. This strong outing allowed him to make the cut for the second time in his last five major appearances, placing him within the top 25 heading into the weekend.
Round 3 proved less fruitful for Johnson as he struggled, finishing with a 3-over 75. Key mistakes left him unable to capitalize on opportunities, positioning him at a considerable distance from the leaders as he entered the final round.
The journey for Johnson began with a steady performance in Round 1, where he concluded the day with a 1-over 73, managing a single birdie alongside two bogeys. Throughout the tournament, he leaned heavily on his putting prowess, ranking fourth in the LIV Golf league this year.
Johnson reflected positively on his team's collaborative efforts, acknowledging the dynamics of competition amongst the LIV players. “It’s good. Yeah, I think obviously we're in a really good position. But it's going to take all four of us playing well tomorrow. This golf course is hard, and if we all four play well, then we'll probably have a really good chance to win,” he noted.
As the tournament wrapped up, it was Rory McIlroy who emerged as the victor, carding an impressive total of 12-under-par. The contrast of Johnson's performance with McIlroy's highlights the unpredictable nature of the game and the challenges posed by such a prestigious event.
The 2026 Masters served as another testament to the competitive spirit of the tournament and the exciting potential of Johnson as he continues to refine his game for future events on both LIV Golf and major tours. As golf fans look forward to upcoming tournaments, Johnson’s resilience and performance in Augusta will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized, setting the stage for his next appearances on the course.