Dustin Johnson to skip Olympics for FedEx Cup bid

Dustin Johnson, the world 
No 5, will not be competing in the Olympics in Japan this summer after deciding he would rather win the FedEx Cup than a gold medal.

The American’s decision was confirmed by his manager, David Winkle, to Golfweek in an email.

“Dustin gave the Olympics a great deal of thought and we discussed the pros and cons of him participating at length,” said Winkle.

“At the end of the day, it’s a matter of personal preference and priority. As much as he would be honored to be an Olympian, the FedEx Cup Playoffs are also very important to him.

“Having had a few close calls in the Playoffs, he really wants to win them before his time is done and feels that he wouldn’t be giving himself the best opportunity to do so if he added a lengthy international trip just prior to their 
beginning.”

Johnson will be at Royal St George’s in Kent for the Open Championship on 16-19 July, having finished joint second behind Darren Clarke there in 2011.

The opening round of the Olympics golf event is due to take place on 30 July, with the FedEx Cup Playoffs getting underway with the Northern Trust in Boston on 13 August.

Johnson was among the four players currently in the spots to qualify for the American team along with Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka and Webb Simpson.

l Scotland’s Ryan Lumsden opened with a three-under-par 69 to sit one shot off the lead after the latest event on the MENA Tour at Ayla Golf Club in Jordan.

Scott Henry, the other Scot in the Journey to Jordan 2 event, is five shots behind the leader, England’s Mitch Waite, after a one-over 73.