New driver isn't holding Dustin Johnson back at The Barclays

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – Shaking off the rust was the first challenge for Dustin Johnson this week at The Barclays.

Working with a new driver was his second test.

Johnson, after not playing for three weeks, finally shook off most of the rust Saturday in the third round at Bethpage Black. Despite a last-hole bogey, the world No. 2 and reigning U.S. Open champion shot a 4-under-par 67 to get within striking distance of the leaders. Grouped with his opening rounds of 70-72, he’s at 4 under through 54 holes.

“I knew I was going to be a little rusty and just so I've been grinding a little bit in the afternoons practicing,” Johnson said. “Starting to feel a little bit better. My timing was just a little bit off the first couple of days. I hit some good shots but it's like my misses were really bad.

Johnson is in the race for Player of the Year honors, winning the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational in addition to the U.S. Open. Much of his success came at the end of the driver, for no one was hitting it longer or straighter than Johnson this year.

But during the PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey, he cracked the top of his driver.

“It's good, but it's just not the same,” Johnson said. “So you know, starting to figure it out a little bit. It will keep getting better. … Just one other thing I've got to deal with this week.”