In the three weeks Dustin Johnson has been absent and re-cooperating from a back injury two things have not changed.
Firstly, Johnson continues to be ranked the World No. 1 after being out injured in slipping on a staircase and injuring his back just prior to the start of the Masters.
And secondly, you will continue never to savour a long fireside chat with the American if his pre-Wells Fargo Championship media conference in North Carolina remains the norm.
“DJ”, as he is more affectionately known, just does not do long-winded conversation.
For example, in a 3o-word question to Johnson he was asked how he looked on his absence, the fact he had not hit a shot since March 31st or the fact no-one has beaten him since February.
“No one’s beaten me since February, for sure,” he said.
However, Johnson did confirm the extent of his mishap when he fell heavily in wearing socks while descending a staircase in the Augusta house his family was renting.
“It took about probably three weeks to heal while last week was probably, maybe last Friday probably, was the first day I hit balls and did not feel it”, he said.
“No, it was just bruised badly. I went and had an MRI. It was clear, no issues, but bruised, bruised it really bad.”
And Johnson was asked in a 6o-word question how he dealt with having to watch the Masters knowing the freakish nature of the injury that ruled him out as the overwhelming favourite to be fitted with an Augusta National green jacket.
He summed up his feelings in half the number of words.
“No, I mean, it just happens. Crazy things happen. The only time it was maybe tough was just watching the tournament, but after watching it or after Sunday, it’s been fine”, he said.
Johnson is contesting his fourth Wells Fargo Championship but a first since 2o11 when he missed the cut.
However, this year the event, and boasting a vintage Wells Fargo stagecoach on display in front of the clubhouse, is being held for a first occasion at the Eagle Point course laid out close to the Atlantic shoreline in Wilmington.
The $US 7.2m has switched for just one year given Quail Hollow in suburban Charlotte and the regular venue, is hosting August’s PGA Championship.
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