Dustin Johnson getting trashed talked by Michael Jordan at his secret golf course has made the Masters champion more competitive than ever, his coach says

• Getting trash talked by Michael Jordan has helped make Dustin Johnson the world's best golfer.
• That's according to 36-year-old's trainer, Joey Diovisalvi.
• "I believe that actually gives Dustin more of a confident edge," he said.

Getting trash talked by Michael Jordan has helped give Dustin Johnson an even greater edge during major competitions.

That's according to 36-year-old's trainer, Joey Diovisalvi, who told the BBC that the NBA icon roasting Johnson during their friendly rounds of golf has helped push the world's number one golfer on.

"Dustin enjoys that MJ is somebody who created this environment where they can just wear their golf shorts and t-shirts and go play golf - there's no formality up there," said Diovisalvi.

"They love to trash talk and have their games and I believe that actually gives Dustin more of a confident edge when it comes to tournament play."

Johnson, who is the reigning Masters champion and current world number one, has played golf with Jordan numerous times.

Only last week, the pair enjoyed a round at Jordan's exclusive custom-built course, The Grove XXIII, which has fewer than 100 members, and forbids the use of mobile phones and cameras.

"When you have these great athletes - they might be great in different arenas - but they get together on the golf course and there's a lot of ability for them to speak amongst themselves," Diovisalvi added.

"I think Dustin takes these little bits and pieces and then puts it in his head. He is confident to a degree where he doesn't walk out arrogantly on a golf course, but is always going to be someone who can tee it up and potentially put another 'W' in that column. I think he'll play until he can't do that anymore."

Johnson himself has previously spoken of his admiration for Jordan, as well as how he busts his chops during their rounds.

"As competitive as he was in basketball, he might be more competitive at golf," Johnson told Complex in 2020.

"I give him five [strokes] a side. He plays from the same tees. MJ's a good player. But playing from the same tees, if he played up a box it would be less [strokes], for sure."

Jordan himself is known for his otherworldly competitiveness, particularly when it comes to golfing.

In a recent podcast appearance, PGA Tour star Rickie Fowler suggested that Jordan had his home course designed so that he could beat the pro golfers he invites to play with him.