Golf enthusiasts have applauded Dustin Johnson’s partner, Paulina Gretzky, for her positive influence on the LIV Golf star, as he recently celebrated his birthday in style, surrounded by loved ones.
Last month, Johnson rang in his 40th year with a cowboy-themed bash, surrounded by his wife and two kids, all taking place at an exquisite residence – a year after he suffered a bedroom injury with her.
The double-major champion fully embraced the Wild West theme, making a grand entrance to the gathering in one of his vintage convertibles – a moment shared on social media by Gretzky.
The party was not short on entertainment, offering drinking games, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display to the delight of their friends and family. The festivities concluded with the grand arrival of a massive birthday cake.
Paulina, the eldest offspring of ice hockey titan Wayne Gretzky, posted a couple of snapshots from the night on Instagram, the latest captioned “country roads take me home”.
The celebratory posts quickly garnered praise, with fans chiming in to laud the close-knit group and Johnson’s Texan attire. One follower commented: “I like Dustin because he has that ‘I don’t give a **** attitude but is a good dude.'”
Johnson and Gretzky finally said their vows in April 2022, after being engaged since August 2013. They welcomed their first son, Tatum, in January 2015, and their second child, River, arrived in June 2017.
The couple hit a rough patch in 2018 when Gretzky deleted all photos of Johnson from her Instagram, sparking rumours of a split. However, these concerns were put to rest when a photo of the couple sharing a kiss at the Ryder Cup appeared on Gretzky’s Instagram.
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In an interview with Golfweek after being named PGA Tour Player of the Year for 2019/20, Johnson couldn’t help but express his joy at watching his two sons grow up. “The best thing in the world is having kids. We’re lucky to have two wonderful boys. It’s really been amazing, watching them grow up and enjoying the time. They get to travel with us a bunch,” he shared.
“I can see a little of me and Paulina in both of them, just in their personalities and the things they do. It’s funny. There are times when you watch them and say, ‘Where in the heck did you learn that? ‘ and then you realise, oh man, it’s from me.”
Acknowledging that his priorities have shifted since becoming a father, Johnson added: “For me, golf was always the most important thing. And now, it’s Paulina and the kids and they’ll always be the most important. Obviously, I love the game of golf, competing and playing. But they’re the most important thing.”
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