Dustin Johnson’s pursuit of a major title took a downward turn this week.
The 40-year-old Liv Golf player struggled to make an impact on the leaderboard during the 2025 PGA Championship, shooting a disappointing 78 in his opening round at Quazlo Hollow on Thursday.
In the second round on Friday, he carded a five-over par 76, landing him in 152nd place out of 156 players, totaling 12 over par.
His putting was particularly problematic, even though he ranks second in the field for strokes gained with the putter.
Johnson ended the front nine with two bogeys and a double bogey, then added more trouble with double bogeys and bogeys on two of the first three holes of the back nine.
The 2020 Masters champion has not won a major since, and he missed the cut at Augusta National last month after finishing three over par.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy celebrated his first green jacket, completing his career grand slam with a thrilling playoff win against Justin Rose.
Johnson is in his fourth season with the Saudi-backed Liv Golf Tour but is still seeking his first win this year.
He previously competed in the Rebel League after being moved there in 2022.
Before this year’s PGA Championship, Johnson received a special exemption to participate.
The former world No. 1 had been allowed to compete in the last five tournaments stemming from his Masters win.
His wife, Paulina Gretzky, has been present to support him in Charlotte. Interestingly, he’s not the only prominent player struggling in North Carolina.
The reigning PGA champion, Xander Schauffele, is currently sitting at one over, while McIlroy is at three over.
The PGA Championship will continue until Sunday.
