Luck is absolutely a factor in the game of luck.
Consider that two-time major champion Dustin Johnson was flirting with the projected cut line (he was 1-over and at the time of this writing it is projected to be 2-over) as he hit his approach shot on 18 at Royal Portrush during the Open Championship. Par looked within reach, but this is the Open Championship where anything is possible.
DJ fired his approach and after the first bounce his ball hit the flag. Not the flagstick. The flag.
Dustin Johnson
ADhits the flag on 18. He ends the day at even par. pic.twitter.com/3CRa48ZaNL
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 18, 2025
Catching the cloth of the flag, obviously a wetter cloth than normal with the conditions at Royal Portrush, allowed the ball’s momentum to be fully absorbed and distinguished. It landed right next to the hole and Johnson was able to make an easy birdie which gave him a 2-under round to sit even on the tournament overall, safely inside of the cut.
You simply cannot plan for this kind of thing. Golf rules.
