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 3:13am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a golfer's swing and the Augusta National course broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the evolving nature of the iconic tournament.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

Dustin Johnson's pursuit of a second Masters title and the defense of his 20-under tournament record will be a key storyline at the 2023 Masters, as he seeks to overcome the distractions of his LIV Golf involvement and prove his skills remain at the highest level.