Butch Harmon has delivered a blunt assessment of Dustin Johnson’s recent form, suggesting the former Masters champion “got a little lazy” during his time on LIV Golf but is now rediscovering his work ethic.
Speaking during the second round of The Masters, Harmon — who coached Johnson between 2010 and 2017 — offered rare insight into the two-time major champion’s current mindset and preparation.
Harmon, 82, played a pivotal role in shaping Johnson into one of golf’s most dominant forces during their partnership.
The renowned golf coach, who famously worked with Tiger Woods from 1993 to 2004, helped sharpen Johnson’s wedge play, introduced a controlled fade off the tee, and strengthened his mental approach — improvements that led to 14 PGA Tour titles during their time together, including a breakthrough major title at the 2016 U.S. Open.
Johnson later added a second major at the 2020 Masters under Butch’s son, Claude Harmon III.
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Fast forward to this Friday at Augusta National and Harmon — working for Sky Sports Golf — initially noted how little Johnson has featured on the radar recently.
As the American stood over a 15-foot birdie putt on the par-5 8th, Harmon remarked: “We haven’t seen much of Dustin lately.”
That prompted co-commentator and 2002 PGA champion Rich Beem to ask whether Harmon still sees much of his former pupil.
Harmon revealed the pair had been back in contact just days before the tournament. Johnson had reached out seeking advice on his swing, admitting he was struggling to identify a fault.
“I sent him a video of his swing from 2017,” Harmon explained. “I told him, ‘copy that’—and I’ll send you the bill.”
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The exchange drew laughter in the commentary box, but Harmon soon turned serious after Johnson rolled in his birdie putt.
“He’s back to working hard again,” Harmon said. “He got a little lazy for a while over on LIV, but he’s got his body back in shape.”
Harmon made an honest admission about Johnson
Johnson, now 41, was among the first marquee names to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf in 2022 and currently captains 4Aces GC.
While he has claimed three individual titles on the circuit, his most recent victory came in February 2024.
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Despite that drought, his team has impressed this season with consecutive wins in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Questions remain over how long Johnson will continue competing at the highest level.
The former world number one has previously indicated he does not plan to play senior golf, instead aiming to step away soon to focus on family life with his wife Paulina Gretzky and their two children.
For now, though, Harmon’s comments suggest Johnson may not be done just yet.
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