If there’s anyone who’s become the unexpected peacekeeper in golf’s ongoing drama between LIV and the PGA Tour, it might just be Dustin Johnson. Once at the heart of the golf world’s great divide, DJ is now showing signs he’s ready to move forward — and his recent gesture at Augusta National speaks volumes.
In a move that turned heads for more than just the golf being played, Johnson teamed up with a PGA Tour pro, Michael Kim for a casual nine-hole practice match ahead of the Masters. The surprise? He wasn’t just hitting bombs — he was offering tips, encouragement, and insight that even caught his playing partner off guard. “DJ also was really cool at giving info as well. DJ hits that patented cut all the time and it’s exactly how you think it is,” Kim added, clearly impressed.
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This comes on the heels of DJ publicly voicing support for unity in golf again. Speaking earlier, he said, “I would like to see it come back together. I think it’s good for the game of golf. I think it’s good for the fans.” At Augusta, he seems to be living that out, choosing camaraderie over conflict and bridging the gap between rival tours in a quiet but impactful way.
From advice to admiration
Johnson was paired with rising PGA Tour player Michael Kim for a nine-hole team match — DJ alongside up-and-comer Noah Kent, while Kim teamed up with none other than Phil Mickelson. The vibe was friendly but focused, with Johnson impressing both with his effortless power and calm demeanor.
“DJ hits that patented cut all the time and it’s exactly how you think it is,” Kim wrote in his post, clearly in awe. But more than just shot-making, DJ offered strategic insights throughout the round, helping Kim navigate Augusta’s famously tricky layout.
Despite the ongoing undercurrent between the tours, Johnson’s approach was all class. No drama, just golf. And a helping hand where it was least expected.
While Johnson’s gesture stole the narrative, Kim also came away raving about the other legend in the group — Phil Mickelson. Playing alongside Lefty was not just fun, it was educational.
“The thing about Augusta is because the slopes are so big and so many funnels, so many shots end up in the same spots,” Kim wrote. “That’s why you hear the saying you don’t read putts, you remember putts at Augusta.”
Mickelson’s yardage book was filled with detailed notes, and he didn’t hold back on sharing. “This one is slow, this one breaks left here but then breaks back this way,” Kim recalled. It was a masterclass in green-reading that Kim eagerly soaked up.
In true Lefty fashion, he even delivered a dramatic moment — a clutch shot from the pine straws that nearly sealed the match. But it was Kent who stole the final roar, sinking a 25-footer to tie the game. “Yes, we played for something,” Kim teased, “but we tied and I’m not sharing that detail, sry.”
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Michael Kim’s wholesome Augusta diaries continue to win fans
This was just one part of Kim’s ongoing “Augusta Diary,” which he’s been documenting daily on X. Since arriving on Sunday, he’s been giving fans an inside look, full of personal anecdotes, funny moments, and behind-the-scenes details you don’t usually hear.
From driving down Magnolia Lane to eating iconic sandwiches (“BBQ pork leads so far at 8.5/10”), battling bunker sand that “feels heavy/sticky,” and playing in the Par 3 Contest with his dad on the bag — it’s been an emotional and eye-opening week.
He even joked about being recognized by Augusta’s social media team. “He said he liked my stuff and that it was clever,” Kim noted. “Phew… they see everything haha. Hopefully I don’t get a phone call or anything about one of my posts.”
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While the star pairings and social moments are fun, Kim made it clear he’s locked in. “It’s easy to get into the mode of ‘just glad I’m here,’ but I want to compete and play well,” he wrote. “As long as I keep doing my thing, I feel good about my chances.”
And with a little help from Johnson and Mickelson, Kim just might be more ready than ever.