PGA star Dustin Johnson has seen a career full of highs and lows. And, off the green,
his romantic life with Instagram model Paulina Gretzky hasn't fared much better. From awkward
family dates, to cheating rumors, these are the strangest things about their relationship.
Before the couple had even been formally introduced, Dustin Johnson had forged a friendship
with Paulina Gretzky's mom, Janet, in 2009. After playing together in a golf competition,
Janet invited Dustin over to their home for a family dinner. It was then that the couple first
met, but a relationship wouldn't blossom until years later. Paulina told Golf.com,
"We became good friends. Actually, my whole family became friends with
Dustin — my brothers and parents saw him a lot more than I did."
"Obviously you know, me and Paulina have a really good relationship. And you know,
I'm very good friends with Wayne and Janet."
While some may describe Paulina and Dustin's relationship as rather rocky,
the golf pro's bond with her dad — legendary ice hockey player, Wayne Gretzky — has chugged
along rather swimmingly. Dustin has even credited Wayne with helping him move up the
ranks in the golf world, according to USA Today. While it may seem a bit abnormal,
Dustin's relationship with Paulina's family seems to be a mutually beneficial one.
It wasn't until three years after Paulina and Dustin met that they would have their first
date. Well, it was kind of a date, but not really. Paulina told Golf.com,
"I don't know if you can call it a date since my dad tagged along."
As weird as it might seem that Wayne Gretzky joined them, it was no big deal for the retired
hockey player. Justifying himself for butting in on his daughter's special moment, he simply said,
"That's how it goes in our family."
Most guys would probably run for the hills if their crush's dad tagged along on a
romantic evening, but thankfully, it didn't deter Johnson from eventually putting a ring on it.
"I just got engaged. I've got a lovely fiance, Paulina, and I think things are
going really good right now. Starting to grow up a little bit, which is nice."
Johnson's off-the-green antics have caught up with him numerous times
throughout his golf career. In 2014 he was allegedly suspended from the
game for six months after testing positive for cocaine, according to Golf Magazine.
Johnson later denied the test results, and instead said in a statement that he was…
"[Seeking] professional help for personal challenges I have faced."
But little did he know, the ramifications for his bad-boy ways would directly affect
his relationship with Paulina. News of the alleged suspension came less than a year
after Johnson proposed, and Fox News reported the couple's scheduled Fall 2014 wedding was
in danger of being canceled by her dad, who reportedly warned Johnson to clean up his act.
Their 2014 wedding never happened, and by June 2015,
it was reported that the wedding was canceled completely. The following year,
Johnson "hinted" to the New York Post that the wedding was on again, saying,
"That bill is going to Wayne [Gretzky]."
But as of 2020, the pair have yet to tie the knot.
No relationship is perfect, and Paulina and Dustin have experienced a few bumps
in the road — including one back in 2018 when a woman named Yassie Safai reportedly
came in between them. Rumors insinuated that Johnson had an affair with Safai after they
bumped into each other at a golf course. Safai denied the allegations, telling TMZ,
"I am sure he is a great person but we do not have a close friendship. I have never met Paulina
Gretzky and do not know the Gretzky family, but again, I am sure they are great people."
But that wasn't enough for Paulina. She went on a social media rampage and reportedly removed
all traces of Johnson from her Instagram account, according to the New York Post.
And, amid the rumors and speculation, Johnson seemingly fueled the flames, tweeting:
"Every relationship goes through its ups and downs, but most importantly,
we love each other very much and are committed to being a family."
Weeks later, it appeared the couple had kissed and made up when Gretzky accompanied Johnson to the
2018 Ryder Cup in Paris, per the New York Post. When things are going well in his relationship,
Dustin doesn't hold back when it comes to showing his affection for his baby mama,
and that's evident in some of the racy comments he has left on Paulina's Instagram.
Larry Brown Sports dug up all the salacious comments, including one where Johnson wrote,
"I love you so much and I miss you [and] can't wait to see you.
Actually I can't wait to get you in bed […]"
Judging by Gretzky's reply, she was down for the dirty talk,
but maybe some things are better left for private settings.
Paulina and Dustin appear to have a love that transcends labels. In a September 2020
interview with Golfweek, Johnson opened up about their relationship, admitting,
"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."
Johnson, who's worth a reported $50 million, even took it a step further
and credited his massive success on the green to his longtime partner. He said,
"She's a huge part of me, our family and my success. […] She understands everything it
takes to get to where you want to be and the sacrifices you have to make."
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