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TSN Senior Reporter

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TROON, Scotland -- For the first time in his career, Dustin Johnson is coming into a major championship not being asked about when he’ll break through and get his first major.

He took care of that by winning the U.S. Open last month and he’s noted a different feeling as he prepares to tee off at Royal Troon for the 145th playing of the Open Championship.

"The mindset's just different,” Johnson said on Wednesday. “I'm not trying to win the first one. I already have. So on Sunday if I'm in contention, just knowing that I can get it done is a big confidence booster coming down the stretch."

Johnson not only won the U.S. Open but followed it up with a victory at the World Golf Championship event in Akron, Ohio a few weeks later. He’s moved to No. 2 in the world and the possibility exists that he could be No. 1 by Sunday evening. To do that, he needs to win and have current No. 1 Jason Day finish outside the top 10.

It’s a big leap up for a player who was better known for frittering away chances to win big tournaments than closing them out. There’s a long list of missed majors, but one of the most memorable came at the Open back in 2011 when, sitting two back of the lead, he blew his second shot on the par-5 14th well out of bounds.

Even last year, at St. Andrews, he held the 36-hole lead after two strong rounds but fell apart in the wind on the weekend, ending up tied for 49th.

But after winning at Oakmont, the partner of Paulina Gretzky thinks he may be able to get it done here this week.

"I like my chances, but I go into every tournament liking my chances,” said Johnson, who will also play in next week’s RBC Canadian Open. “I always feel like I'm the best player in the world, but that's just me. I've got a lot of confidence in my game. Obviously I'm playing very well right now.”

In addition to an improved golf game, Johnson is getting better at handling the media’s questions. He deftly batted away a couple from the tabloid press here, including one about his feelings on the outcome of the U.S. Women’s Open where the United States Golf Association fumbled the ruling, just as it did at the men’s edition.

“Obviously, when I got here quite a few people told me about it,” said Johnson, teasing the media as if he was going to give a bold opinion for what could be the first time.

“It's another unfortunate situation.”

Then he paused, thought about it for a second or two and smiled before shutting it down.

“But, yeah, I shouldn't talk about it."

Johnson has been getting some advice on dealing with the media from Wayne Gretzky, his almost-father-in-law. No. 99 has told him to embrace the press and they will love you back.

“He gives me more advice, probably, when I'm talking to you guys,” Johnson said.

It seems to be working. He’s talked in a more relaxed manner this year and it seems to be working in his favour. He’s gone from the somewhat mysterious or possibly aloof guy who responded with short answers, to a more honest and forthcoming person, not afraid – most of the time – to bare his soul.

His golf game has honesty in it too. He’s very good with his driver (most people know that) but also with his wedges (most don’t know that). And he’s been putting well, as evidenced by his on-the-green performance at Oakmont. That combination may carry him a long way over the next few years.

Can he win two in a row? Many obviously think so. He’s moved into top spot as the betting favourite in Scotland at 8/1, ahead of Day, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy. That likely wouldn’t have happened before he won his first major. But with his game seemingly in good shape right through the bag, and his confidence soaring, Johnson might be ready to be the next champion golfer of the year.