OAKMONT (AFP) -- Nine years after capturing his first major victory at Oakmont, Dustin Johnson returns to the formidable layout trying to recapture the form that made him so special back in 2016.

The 40-year-old American, who also won the 2020 Masters, called Oakmont the hardest course he has played on Monday but says his 2016 US Open victory boosts his hopes when the 125th US Open begins Thursday.

"I have confidence in this golf course because I know I played well," he said. "This week puts a lot of pressure on the driver. I feel like I'm driving the ball really good right now.

"You definitely have to hit it in the fairway if you want a chance to win around here."

Johnson finished on four-under 276 for a three-shot victory in 2016, solving the iconic course by avoiding its dense rough.

"I drove it really straight. I hit a lot of fairways. That was the only reason I shot that well," Johnson said. ""Seems like it's tougher this time around, but that's just maybe with the little bit of added length."

Johnson has won at least once in each of the past six years and three times in three years since jumping from the PGA Tour to Saudi-backed LIV Golf. But he hasn't won since 2024 in Las Vegas.

"I don't feel like I've slipped any. My scores haven't reflected, but it is a really fine line," Johnson said.

"For me it's always really close to being good, but just getting back there and keeping it consistent. Over the last couple months I'm starting to see a lot of patterns and the game feels like it's coming back into good form."

Johnson said he doesn't see more pressure to perform well in majors because he plays in LIV Golf, where a lack of world ranking points limits potential qualifying for majors.

"Not really. It's still a major. It's still the same amount of pressure no matter where you're playing," Johnson said. "I'm looking forward to playing in it this week and hopefully can contend."

This week marks only the second time Johnson has returned to Oakmont since his debut major win, the other occasion being to accept an honorary membership in the club.

"I'm probably their favorite member because I never come," Johnson said.

"It's really nice to be back. The course is just as hard as I remember, if not harder. I like coming back here. A lot of good memories from that year."

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