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All-round sport ready for Perth International

Perth International-bound Dustin Johnson drives down the fairway. Picture: Getty Images.

Gifted sporting all-rounder Dustin Johnson is confident he made the right decision with golf.

One of the favourites for next week's $2 million Perth International at Lake Karrinyup, Johnson could easily have followed the lead of his grandfather Art Whisnant who played basketball at South Carolina and was a three-times All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection in the early 1960s.

Johnson could dunk a basketball in bare feet, throw a baseball 145km/h, perform a standing long jump which would put him in the top 7 per cent among NBA players and an agility drill which ranked him in the top 20 per cent of NFL players.

In an exclusive interview with _The Weekend West _, world No.21 Johnson revealed choosing golf had been a no-brainer.

"I've always enjoyed a lot of different sports, but it became clear to me that my future was in golf," the American said. "I think I made the right choice."

Johnson, 26, has carved an impressive niche for himself since turning professional in 2007, notching seven PGA wins and 36 top-10 finishes, as well as earning selection for Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams.

Recently engaged to Paulina Gretzky, the glamorous daughter of Canadian ice hockey legend Wayne, and boasting a bank balance just shy of $20 million, it would seem Johnson has it all.

But he's no different to every other professional golfer who wants a major championship.

He's been agonisingly close, finishing in a share of second with Phil Mickelson behind Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke at the 2011 British Open.

Johnson is confident that breakthrough will come - and sooner rather than later.

"Given that I've already come so close on a few occasions, I feel I'm really close," he said. "I honestly believe it's just a matter of time. I'm certainly not afraid."

The laid-back American with the trademark long sideburns is bullish and single-minded when it comes to short-term goals.

"The same as always, which is to work toward being the best player in the world," he said.

"I'd love to have a multiple-win year, including a major championship, make the Ryder Cup team and win the FedEx Cup. How's that for a year?"

A renowned long driver, Johnson has finished inside the top five in distance off the tee in each of his five years on the PGA Tour.

Johnson said length was something which had come naturally.

"I've always driven the ball well and my length has been a real asset," he said.

He will be playing in Perth for the first time and said he was keen to do well at Australia's richest tournament.

"I have heard nothing but great things about the Perth International, the city of Perth and Western Australia in general, so I'm very excited about my upcoming visit," he said.

"First and foremost, I want to play well and hopefully win the tournament. That's priority one.

"Beyond the golf, I'm looking forward to enjoying the culture and lifestyle of Perth and maybe getting in a little beach time."

International Management Group's director of golf David Rollo said Johnson would be a drawcard at Lake Karrinyup.

"Dustin is one of the great athletes in golf and one of the most exciting players in the game," Rollo said.

"I am sure the fans will really enjoy watching him play and be in awe of his driving.

"Dustin hasn't played in Australia since the Presidents Cup 2011 and we are delighted to welcome him to Perth."

"… I feel I'm really close (to winning a major). I honestly believe it's just a matter of time."" *Dustin Johnson *