Johnson gets European tour underway | Thebigtip

Dustin Johnson begins the first leg of his extended European tour this week as he looks to play his way into form ahead of July's Open Championship at Royal St George's.

The American, who celebrated his 27th birthday earlier this week is currently playing in this week's BMW International Open in Munich and believes his prolonged stay will help him feel more comfortable when he tees it up at next month at Sandwich. Those looking at the golf The Open odds will wonder what he can pull out of the bag. Johnson finished in 23rd at last week's US Open at Congressional where he witnessed firsthand the sheer superiority of Rory McIlroy having played with him during the first two rounds of the tournament.

The performance must have brought back bittersweet memories for the South Carolinian after he himself had dominated last year's US Open at Pebble Beach only to suffer a nightmare final round and be eventually pipped by McIlroy's countryman Graeme McDowell. Johnson, like McIlroy earlier this year at the Masters looked to be in control last year at Pebble but an early triple bogey set him back meaning he is still looking for his first Major title. The Open betting suggests he won't be grabbing one next month.

Following this week's tournament, Johnson will focus fully on the Open Championship, heading to Kent earlier than most so he can get a feel for the links having previously played very little seaside golf in his career. However, his trip to Europe is not just about golf and he says the primary reason for his stay is to broaden his horizons and new places. "I just want to travel. Wanted to play in other places other than just the US - I like travelling" he told the European Tour's official website. "I like playing for people everywhere, and I like visiting different countries. It's good that I can do that and come and play golf with no fear".