“Has to Be More Like Tiger”: Wayne Gretzky Once Had an Useful Advice for Son-In-Law Dustin Johnson Long Before His Big Day

Former #1 golfer Dustin Johnson achieved another milestone in his career with his triumph in the 2020 Masters, his second big title after the 2016 U.S. Open. Prior to his grand victory, the athlete was encouraged by NHL icon and father-in-law, Wayne Gretzky with his precious expertise on champion-level games. 

As per Golf.com, the Great One inspired Johnson to learn a specific value from one of the greatest, Tiger Woods. Later on, he shared his own insights that got him to the top of the game. 

Wayne Gretzky once motivated Dustin Johnson to be like Tiger Woods

In a 2020 article by Golf.com, the 61-year-old phenom once revealed why he wanted soon-to-be son-in-law and top-notch golfer, Johnson, to be more like the legendary Tiger Woods. Talking to sources for a 2016 publication ahead of the 2020 Masters Tournament, he said, “I’ve told Dustin he has to be more like Tiger.”

Clarifying the statement, he further added, “I don’t mean he has to be Tiger — you only get a few athletes like that a century. But part of what made Tiger Tiger was relentlessness.” Additionally, he also opened up about his own experience of never-settling. He disclosed that the winning mindset is what kept him going as he expanded the limits to his performance.

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Gretzky listed Johnson’s achievement-laden year. He implied, “Dustin just won three tournaments and a major. That’s a great year. Now go win five tournaments and two majors.” Besides that, he also pushed Johnson to be more self-aware and have authority over his limitations. However, Gretzky’s humility doesn’t allow him to take any credit in his son-in-law’s glories. 

‘The Great One’ denied credit for Dustin Johnson’s accolades

Once the ice-hockey star opened up about his indistinct knowledge of golf and mentioned that he stands only as an influential figure in the 38-year-old’s life, and does not mentor him on the sport Gretzky’s not best at. 

Gretzky revealed, “I’ve encouraged him to raise the bar, sure, to set higher goals, and I’ve talked to him about the commitment to pay the price to be the best. He’s in his own world in golf and I’m not a golfer by any means, and he was top 10 before we ever met. I’ve never given him a lesson plan”

The duo officially bonded as a father- and son-in-law last year, after the grand wedding of Johnson and Paulina Gretzky in Tennessee, California. 

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