It's time stop asking of Dustin Johnson only what his golf can answer
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — Hey Dustin, in those sleepless nights, do you think about that bunker at Whistling Straits?
Have you seen all the signs around, Dustin? You made the PGA of America make sure everyone knows what's a bunker around here!
Dustin, talk about how tough it is to win a major.
What do you think is missing from your game that has prevented you from winning that major, Dustin?
Will you ever win one, Dustin?
Instead of rehashing the same topics and same Dustin Johnson disappointments, maybe it's time to stop the smattering of questions about one of golf's great talents and let the guy tell us when he's ready to fulfill his potential.
He totally had a brain fart here five years ago, and he played it off well on Wednesday, essentially being asked the same thing 17 different ways.
Johnson even cracked a joke about the ubiquitous signage (in locker rooms, dining areas, practice range) defining what is a bunker (practically anything with sand in it): "This year I don't have to worry about it; there's a grand stand there (over the bunker he hit into in 2010). Thank you, PGA. I appreciate that."
At this point, however, what happened in that bunker-not-a-bunker five years ago (when he ground his club, costing him two strokes and a spot in a playoff) is just one in a series of incidents that form a sad trend demonstrating Johnson's inability to cross the finish line and grab the trophy. Earlier that summer was the final-round 82 at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, where he was done in by a second-hole triple bogey. At least at Whistling Straits, Johnson made it to the last hole before a supplementary rule intervened.
Since then, Johnson's sprayed a 2-iron out of bounds on the 68th hole of the 2011 British Open, handing the Claret Jug to Darren Clarke. Two months ago, Johnson three-putted from 12 feet to cost himself a Monday date with Jordan Spieth in an 18-hole U.S. Open playoff at Chambers Bay.
He seemingly got himself in position to overcome all that four weeks later at the Home of Golf, seizing the 36-hole British Open lead with an exhibition of power and touch that made the Old Course at St. Andrews look pathetic. Then he fired 150 on the weekend to drop from the lead into a tie for 49th place.
It's in his head now. It's even in his head at lesser-than-major events. Johnson said Wednesday that he scored well – though he didn't play well – in the first two rounds at last week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. Then he shot 11-over 151 on the weekend to finish tied for 53rd.
Clearly, Johnson hasn't yet figured out what it takes to get past these disappointments. He might never. But asking the guy every time he plays isn't going to lead to Johnson's catharsis. If he finds it, it's going to be inside the ropes – preferably, at least – and we'll know when he gives his slight fist pump of relief, a reaction with the same measure of outward emotion behind a victory.
Johnson can maintain that he's fine, just chillin' and all that low-country stuff, but these things hurt. So why rub some sand in the wound?
Then again, the South Carolina native said he's willing to take on the media inquisition for years to come. That's because it means, if we're asking, then we think he can do it. When we stop?
Well, then we have the next generation's Sergio Garcia.
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.