Former South Carolina golf standout Dustin Johnson is back in the swing of things after having allegedly failed drug tests for cocaine last year, and, subsequently, taking time off for personal reasons. His time off involved becoming a father to fiancé Paulina Gretzky's new baby boy, Tatum. It seems like the Grand-Great One could be the reason behind his sudden resurgence.
Nola.com quotes Johnson bragging about being a father and how much it has changed him:
"'You know, being a dad, it's the best thing in the world...And maybe that's the difference this year. You know, golf's not the No. 1 thing anymore. It's my son and my family. So maybe that's difference.''
Even though he wasn't able to acquire that elusive Green Jacket once again this go round at The Masters, this year is projecting to be one of the best so far for the young and hungry Johnson. He already has a win at WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral and is in the top 10 for driving distance and scoring average.
With both his renewed dedication to his golf game and family, Johnson is set to wed Gretzky soon. And it seems like Dustin having it all. The troubles of past years -- both on and off the course -- seem to be behind him.
The missed opportunities of winning majors and coming up short are behind this new family man. Dustin's new approach as a Dad is translating to a clear mind on the course, as his hometown paper The State tells readers:
"No matter what happens on the golf course, when I get home and get to hold him, it's all right out the window."
Are you rooting for Johnson to continue having a comeback year after his "time off?" Do you think little baby Gretzky is behind his turnaround? How well do you think he will perform at the next Major? Let us know what you think.
