World No. 5 Dustin Johnson could pay a heavy price for his lack of knowledge of two of the three courses hosting this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.
Johnson had never played Kingsbarns or Carnoustie before this week’s event.
Dustin Johnson struggles at Kingsbarns and Carnoustie. (Photo - www.golffile.ie)
He carded a respectable one under par 71 on Thursday at Kingsbarns but despite the continued summer like weather at Carnoustie, Johnson was found out in recording three birdies but also four bogeys in a round of 73 for a level par tally.
It left Johnson lying in a share 111th place heading to his third round at the Old Course at St. Andrews.
Also, if Johnson were to miss Saturday’s third round cut there is the very likelihood of defending champion, Martin Kaymer and the present World No. 6 overhauling him on the World Rankings.
“The last two days have been on golf courses I’ve never played before as I’ve never played Kingsbarns until yesterday and I haven’t played Carnoustie before today,” Johnson said.
“I felt I played okay tee to green but just putted bad again, and I’m just struggling to get the ball in the hole.
“I hit some good shots but then drove it into a couple of bunkers and maybe not knowing the course was the reason for that.
“But then it should be a little easier when I come back to play here next year.
“Carnoustie is obviously a good golf course and you can understand how it can become ‘Carnastie’ when the wind picks up as it will be real tough.
“But I have to admit it is definitely one golf course you have to see before you play it.
“However my schedule just didn’t allow me to get here in time.”
Johnson will head to the ourse at St. Andrews for round three and a course he is more familiar.
The American recorded rounds in last year’s 150th Open Championship of 69, 72, 69 and 74 to share 14th spot at four under par.
