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As he prepares to compete in his 12th Masters, the American
says he always feels inspired when he steps onto the lush
fairways at Augusta National but this week he has an extra lift
as he brought along the British Open's prized Claret Jug.
"I saw the Claret Jug last night for the first time in a long
time," Johnson, 40, told reporters on Monday while preparing for
the first of the year's four major championships. "Staring at
that thing and touching, it gives you a lift.
"My team, if you will, of individuals, guys that I certainly
trust - coaches, what-not - have had it (the Jug in their
possession). I did get it back this past evening. That's what
it's about. I want it to be shared.
"You're talking about two of the biggest, iconic symbols in
sports. To have that honor to don the (Masters) Green Jacket and
drink out of the Claret Jug is pretty special. I'm still in awe
and pinching myself knowing I've got one of each."
Johnson, like other former winners of the Masters, is not
permitted by tournament organizers to remove his coveted Green
Jacket from Augusta National and he therefore plans to pair up
his two major trophies this week in a rare photo opportunity.
"I don't know history all that well but my guess is that doesn't
happen that often," Johnson said of the chance to photograph the
Claret Jug and Green Jacket together.
"I might try to introduce it (the Jug) to Mr. Green Jacket," the
12-times PGA Tour winner said with a smile. "My family and I
will try to orchestrate something like that."
Johnson, who clinched the first of his two major titles at
Augusta National in 2007 when he held off a late challenge by
four-times winner Woods to triumph by two shots, is happy with
the state of his game heading into this week's edition.
"My game feels good," said Johnson, who claimed last year's
British Open in a three-way playoff. "I've seen some nice
trajectory over the last few weeks, specifically with my putter
but then also with my ball striking.
"But regardless of how my game is coming into this week, it's
the Masters. It's not hard to get pumped up and in that
competitive spirit to play here, so I'm excited."
(Editing by Frank Pingue)
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