DUSTIN JOHNSON has paid tribute to partner Paulina Gretzky ahead of his shot at a second US Open title.
The couple have been dating since 2013 and got engaged only seven months after meeting.
Paulina, 31, has been credited by Johnson, 36, for incredible “sacrifices” in looking after their family while he pursues his golfing career.
He told GolfWeek: “She’s a huge part of me, our family and my success.
“She’s home with the kids, and has been great with that, and just has been a huge supporter for me, with everything I need to do.
“She understands everything it takes to get to where you want to be and the sacrifices you have to make.
“Having her dad as the greatest hockey player, she understands.
“You couldn’t ask for a better partner.”
Together, Dustin and Paulina have two young sons; five-year-old Tatum and three-year-old River.
With Johnson aiming to add to his 2016 US Open title this weekend, which remains his only major win to date, he believes he has the perfect partner.
Gretzky certainly knows what it is like to live with a sports star, as the daughter of ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.
Johnson continued: “I’m very close with all of the Gretzkys. It’s great to be able to just listen.
“I’ve learned so much from Wayne, just watching the way he acts and the way he treats other people.
“His dad, Walter, is unbelievable. He might be more popular than Wayne.
“But obviously, with Wayne, it’s great to have someone who dominated their sport the way he did for such a long period of time.”
Johnson tees off at New York’s Winged Foot Golf Club at 6.16pm, UK time, on Thursday in the rescheduled US Open.
