(Reuters) - As world number two Dustin Johnson snaps at the metaphorical heels of top dog Jason Day of Australia, the game's leading player has identified the reasons for the American's elevation to the cusp of the global pecking order.
After a sizzling summer, U.S. Open champion Johnson enters the Tour Championship starting in Atlanta on Thursday as the top seed and favorite to clinch the $10 million bonus awarded to the season-long FedEx Cup champion, a points race that roughly correlates with the PGA Tour money list.
The long-hitting Johnson has long been an elite player but has taken his form to another level this year, winning three tournaments in quick succession after improving various aspects of his game, particularly his wedge play.