Dustin Johnson’s victory at the 2020 Masters was a moment filled with emotion and meaning. Growing up in Irmo, South Carolina, just about an hour from Augusta National, Johnson had long dreamed of winning the Masters. That dream became a reality in 2020 when he claimed his first green jacket with an impressive five-stroke win over Cameron Smith. Not only did he win, but he also set a new 72-hole scoring record at 20 under par, making it a historic moment in his career.
During the post-tournament interview, Johnson became visibly emotional—a side of him rarely seen. The moment came after a thoughtful question was posed to him: what he would tell his younger self if he knew that in 2020, Tiger Woods would be placing the green jacket on him for his second major title. That heartfelt question triggered a wave of emotions in Johnson, who struggled to speak as the realization of his childhood dream truly sank in.
phew. this is something pic.twitter.com/EmZm6LgeeS
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) November 15, 2020
The interview was especially memorable for the reporter, who recalled the moment as one of the most surreal and impactful of her career. She noted how rare it was to see Johnson so open and vulnerable, sharing how he was usually reserved and composed in interviews. What made this interview different was the presence of Johnson’s family—his wife and brother—making the moment all the more powerful and genuine. It was the first time Johnson seemed to pause and take in the magnitude of what he had achieved.
The connection Johnson shares with Augusta National runs deep. He and his brother used to practice long hours as kids, dreaming of one day playing—and winning—on that very course. That dream was realized in 2020, and Johnson openly stated that winning in front of his brother made the moment even more special.
Now, the question lingers: can Johnson repeat that triumph? His form since 2020 at Augusta has not matched the heights of his winning year. He missed the cut in 2021 and 2024, placed T48 in 2023, and managed a T12 in 2022—his best finish since the win. However, his recent T5 finish at a LIV Golf event in Singapore shows he still has competitive fire. Though recent Masters results haven’t been ideal, his history at Augusta includes several top finishes before his win, including T2 in 2019, T4 in 2016, T6 in 2015, and T10 in 2018.
Johnson will return to Augusta this season alongside 12 other LIV Golf participants. Whether or not he can return to his 2020 form is uncertain, but his journey and past success prove that it’s not out of reach. It’s now up to fans to decide—can he claim a second Masters title, or has his peak at Augusta come and gone?