Dustin Johnson Eyes Masters Record Defense Amid LIV Golf Scrutiny

The 2020 champion returns to Augusta National with his 20-under tournament record still intact.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:13am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the 2023 Masters golf tournament, with overlapping planes of green fairways, sand traps, and golfers in motion, capturing the evolving complexity of the Augusta National course.Dustin Johnson's quest to defend his Masters record faces new challenges as the iconic Augusta National course evolves.Augusta Today

As Dustin Johnson prepares to defend his Masters title, his remarkable 20-under tournament record from 2020 remains the benchmark at Augusta National. However, Johnson faces added scrutiny this year due to his recent involvement with the controversial LIV Golf league. Despite the distractions, the former world No. 1 remains confident in his ability to overcome the course's increasing difficulty and fend off challengers seeking to dethrone his scoring record.

Why it matters

Johnson's 2020 Masters victory and record-setting performance cemented his status as one of the game's elite players. His return to Augusta National this year holds added significance as he looks to prove his skills remain sharp despite the off-course drama surrounding his LIV Golf affiliation. The outcome of this tournament could have lasting implications on Johnson's legacy and the ongoing tensions within the sport.

The details

Johnson attributes the longevity of his 20-under record to the increasing difficulty of the Augusta National course, which he believes has become "a different beast" in recent years. He notes that previous low-scoring records by Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth were achieved during softer course conditions. Johnson highlights the importance of risk management, especially on the challenging Amen Corner holes, which have undergone significant changes to make them longer and more demanding.

  • Dustin Johnson set the Masters tournament record of 20-under par in 2020.
  • The 2023 Masters tournament will take place from April 6-9.

The players

Dustin Johnson

A former world No. 1 golfer and the 2020 Masters champion, who holds the tournament record of 20-under par.

Tiger Woods

A 15-time major champion who previously held the Masters tournament record of 19-under par.

Jordan Spieth

A former world No. 1 golfer and Masters champion who also previously held the tournament record of 19-under par.

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What they’re saying

“The course is a different beast now. It's longer, tougher, and the conditions are more challenging.”

— Dustin Johnson

“It's all about risk management. Holes 11 and 13 have undergone significant changes, making them longer and more demanding.”

— Dustin Johnson

“It's a fresh start. I'm excited to get back out there and show everyone what I'm capable of.”

— Dustin Johnson

What’s next

Johnson will look to defend his Masters title and 20-under tournament record when the 2023 edition of the tournament tees off on April 6.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions within the golf world as elite players like Dustin Johnson navigate the challenges of maintaining their competitive edge while also navigating the controversies surrounding the LIV Golf league. Johnson's ability to overcome these distractions and defend his Masters record could have significant implications for his legacy and the future direction of the sport.