January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Johnson: Losing Tiger is no big deal
Johnson: Losing Tiger is no big deal
Aside from his age, Johnson, has little in common with sporting megastar Tiger Woods, whose withdrawal prompted many to speculate that the tournament had lost its lustre.
While Woods has claimed 13 majors in his career, the Iowan won his first when he defied the odds to become U.S. Masters champion earlier this year.
But Johnson is currently playing some of the best golf of his career and believes the Slam will still be a world-class event.
And he hopes to win the hearts of the Bermuda crowd during his three-day stay on the island.
"I don't see it as being a big deal (Tiger pulling out). I don't know what world ranking everybody has, but you're talking about four major winners.
"I hope people will still see it as a very strong field. I hear Bermuda is a golf friendly country and I think the locals and the sponsors are going to enjoy some good golf."
Johnson added that he was thinking of trying to persuade the organizers to let him wear Bermuda shorts in order to get the locals behind him.
Of the four players who will compete at the Mid Ocean Club next month - Johnson, Angel Cabrera, Padraig Harrington and Tiger's replacement Jim Furyk - Johnson is the least well known.
He was rated a 150-1 shot when he won the Masters, beating Woods by two shots.
And while Tiger, who has won the Grand Slam seven times, may have had the luxury of being able to pull out, Johnson is relishing his elevation to the upper echelons of the sport.
"I would never have considered pulling out. Just knowing I'm getting recognition for winning a major, is amazing, and to play in this tournament against three other world class players, is something I'm really looking forward to."
The 31-year-old, who is a devout Mormon, is bringing his wife and young son to Bermuda for the tournament as well as 'team Johnson' - the army of backroom staff who support him on the U.S. tour.
"I've never been to Bermuda before and I'm extremely excited about it.
"I'm going to play some good golf against some really great opponents and hopefully we'll be able to enjoy the island as well."
Despite the laid back nature of the season-ending tournament, with the competitors playing in a four-ball group, Johnson believes it will still be very competitive.
"I know the individuals playing and I know they are going to play hard.
"I'm playing against the best, I certainly want to win. There's going to be no giving it up.
"Every time I tee off I think I can win and I'll be doing my best to do that in Bermuda."[[In-content Ad]]
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