After nearly two years of division between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, Dustin Johnson is starting to show signs of bridge-building — and it couldn’t have come at a better place than Augusta National.

Once one of the most high-profile defectors to LIV, Johnson’s relationship with the PGA Tour has been, at best, distant. But with whispers of a potential merger in the air, and DJ himself expressing support for reconciliation , “I’d love to see the LIV guys back with the PGA Tour guys,” he recently told Today’s Golfer — the 2020 Masters champ may be softening his stance. His actions this week certainly suggest so.

In a nine-hole practice round ahead of the Masters, Johnson was paired with PGA Tour pro Michael Kim,  and what unfolded was something few expected. Rather than keeping to himself or sticking with LIV allies, Johnson took Kim under his wing. The two were locked in a friendly, competitive team match, and DJ didn’t hesitate to share strategic tips throughout the round.

“It was really cool,” Kim later posted on X, clearly surprised by the former World No. 1’s willingness to guide rather than guard.

From breaking down shot shapes to handling Augusta’s notoriously slippery greens, Johnson was a calming, instructive presence. Kim noted DJ’s signature cut shot “is exactly how you think it is,” and praised his consistent, composed approach in the face of swirling winds and Sunday-level firmness on the greens.

The match also featured Phil Mickelson, paired with Kim — and rising star Noah Kent alongside Johnson. As always, Mickelson brought theatrics, pulling off a ridiculous recovery from the pine straw on the final hole. Kent, unfazed, rolled in a clutch 25-footer to tie the match. “Yes, we played for something,” Kim teased. “But we tied and I’m not sharing that detail, sry.”

While Mickelson’s flair grabbed attention, it was his Augusta wisdom that left a deeper mark. “You don’t read putts at Augusta,” he told Kim. “You remember them.” Kim wrote down everything Lefty pointed out — from green speeds to nuanced breaks — noting how meticulous Mickelson’s yardage book was.

Still, Johnson’s quiet guidance stood out for a different reason — it hinted at healing. On a week where unity in golf feels more plausible than ever, DJ’s support of a PGA Tour pro felt like more than a kind gesture. It felt symbolic.

Later that day, Kim played the Par 3 Contest with his dad on the bag, soaking in the full Masters experience. It was a full-circle moment for the 30-year-old, who missed out on the tradition back in 2019. This time, he wasn’t just participating — he was belonging.

As Kim continues to soak in every bit of Masters magic — with guidance from veterans like DJ and Mickelson — he’s not the only young pro making waves at Augusta this week.

Akshay Bhatia’s breakout and the young stars to watch

While Johnson’s quiet leadership and Kim’s easygoing charm have caught plenty of attention, there’s another story bubbling up at Augusta — Akshay Bhatia’s rise.

Fresh off his win at the Valero Texas Open, the 22-year-old isn’t just happy to be here. He’s buzzing with confidence and ready to compete. On The Loop podcast, Bhatia spoke openly about his mindset, his longtime admiration for Tiger Woods, and what it feels like to finally step into golf’s biggest arena.

“When you feel like you belong, it’s different,” he said. “You walk around knowing you can play with these guys.” And honestly, you can feel that energy from him. That fearless, fresh hunger — the kind you see in players like Kim and Kent too — is making this year’s Masters feel electric.

Bhatia also gave a nod to Phil Mickelson, crediting him for being one of the first big names to support him early in his career. So clearly, Lefty’s mentorship isn’t just for the guys he plays practice rounds with.

It’s that mix of seasoned wisdom and young confidence that’s shaping the vibe at Augusta this week. Between DJ offering an olive branch and rising stars stepping up, the 2025 Masters feels like more than just a tournament — it feels like a turning point.