Johnson wants to avoid Mickelson pairing at Ryder Cup

Dustin Johnson is ready to partner with anyone at the Ryder Cup next week, just not Phil Mickelson.

Johnson is on top of his game, having won three times this season and compiling 14 top 10s. He has risen to No. 2 in the world and took home his first major championship at the U.S. Open.

It’s possible that the duo’s past Ryder Cup failures are keeping Johnson from wanting to try again. The two teamed up at the 2010 Ryder Cup only to lose two matches.

“I love Phil and we’re great friends, but we have a lot more fun when we’re playing against each other, not as partners,” Johnson said.

“We wanted it [in 2010]. We thought it would be great.”

But after getting trounced, 3 and 2, by Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer in four-ball, then losing 3 and 2 to Padraig Harrington and Ross Fisher in foursomes, the experiment was over.

“Didn’t play worth a damn,” Johnson added. “Played like crap.”

There have been many theories about which player(s) Johnson should play with next weekend. Some like him with Zach Johnson and other like him with steady-putting Jordan Spieth. Johnson thinks he can be flexible, to some extent.

“I think I can partner well with pretty much anyone,” Johnson said. “Except for Phil.”