Jamie Squire

By Joel Beall
Dustin Johnson is playing in this week’s 3M Open. And he’s doing so without his caddie—and brother—in tow.

Austin Johnson was unable to attend the proceedings at TPC Twin Cities after registering a positive COVID-19 test.

Austin has been on the bag since 2013. Though Austin came to the tour without experience, Dustin has increasingly leaned on his brother inside the ropes, especially when it comes to putting. Together the Johnsons have won 18 times, including major titles at the 2016 U.S. Open and 2020 Masters.

“We have always been close. And he played a lot of golf as a junior, so, you know, it wasn’t like he was coming in not knowing anything about golf,” Johnson said about Austin at this year’s Masters. “But yeah, just as much time as you spend with your caddie and travel the world, we play a lot of golf at home. So it’s great having him on the bag, and obviously having him caddying last year when I won the Masters was really, really special, and it’s one of those things that you’ll never forget.”

Subbing in for Austin is Keith Sbarbaro, TaylorMade’s VP of Tour Operations. Sbarbaro has experience, looping for Johnson at the 2011 Presidents Cup.

Johnson is currently one over through 15 holes as the tournament is in a weather delay.