If you were watching the 2016 US Open at Oakmont, you probably remember two things. First, Dustin Johnson finally shook off his "major choker" label to hoist the trophy. Second, a woman in a very tight white dress basically broke the internet. That woman was Paulina Gretzky.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how one walk up a flight of stairs can overshadow a three-shot victory at one of the hardest golf courses on the planet. But that’s the Paulina effect. She hasn't just been a spectator at these events; she’s become a central part of the broadcast narrative, for better or worse.
The 2016 US Open Fashion "Scandal"
Let’s go back to that Sunday in Pennsylvania. Dustin Johnson had just navigated a brutal rules controversy—classic USGA, right?—where he didn't even know his real score until the round was over. He wins. It’s huge. He’s walking to the clubhouse with Paulina and their son, Tatum.
Then, the camera happens.
Fox Sports, which was handling the broadcast back then, decided to keep the lens glued to Paulina as she climbed the stairs. She was wearing a white, body-con mini dress. Every time she stepped up, she had to tug the hem down. It was awkward. Fans on X (then Twitter) went absolutely nuclear. Some called the camerawork "creepy" and "voyeuristic." Others blamed Paulina for her choice of attire on a golf course.
"You know a man is in charge if the camera is following Paulina Gretzky up the damn stairs," one viewer posted.
💡 You might also like: Dale Mercer Net Worth: Why the RHONY Star is Richer Than You Think
The fallout was massive. It sparked a legitimate debate about how networks cover the wives and girlfriends (WAGs) of athletes. Should the focus be on the support system, or does it cross a line into objectification? For Paulina, it was just another Tuesday in the spotlight. She’s been famous since the day she was born to Wayne Gretzky, so she’s got a thick skin for this stuff.
Why Paulina Gretzky at the US Open Matters for DJ’s Game
People love to joke that she’s a distraction, but if you look at the stats, Dustin Johnson’s best years coincided with their relationship getting serious. They started dating in 2013. By 2016, he was a US Open champion.
DJ has been pretty vocal about this. He’s said that before Paulina and the kids, golf was everything. Now? It’s just his job. Having that "life is bigger than a leaderboard" mentality actually helped him stay calm when the USGA was breathing down his neck at Oakmont.
The Paulina Presence Breakdown:
- Support System: She’s been at nearly every major, often acting as the "calmer" in the room after a bad round.
- Brand Power: Their partnership turned "DJ" from a quiet, somewhat robotic golfer into one half of a global celebrity power couple.
- Media Magnet: Whether it’s a "wild" outfit or a steamy Instagram post before a tournament, she keeps the eyes on the screen.
The Return to Oakmont in 2025
Fast forward to the 125th US Open in 2025. The tournament returned to Oakmont, the scene of the "white dress" crime. The buzz was different this time. DJ is 40 now. He’s a veteran of the LIV Golf circuit. Paulina is 36, a mother of two, and more of an entrepreneur than just a "model on the sidelines."
📖 Related: Jaden Newman Leaked OnlyFans: What Most People Get Wrong
Just days before the 2025 tournament, Paulina posted a series of photos on Instagram titled "Nobody else." It featured her in lace and DJ in a white blazer with no shirt. Fans lost it. Some thought it was a brilliant confidence boost for a guy who had been struggling with missed cuts at the Masters and PGA Championship. Others joked that he’d be +15 and home by Friday night because he was clearly "distracted."
The reality? The 2025 US Open was a struggle for Johnson. He finished his opening round five-over-par. But the media didn't just talk about his bogeys. They talked about the "Gretzky luck" and whether the magic of 2016 could be recaptured.
Beyond the Mini Dresses: The Business of Being Paulina
It’s easy to dismiss the headlines as tabloid fluff. But there’s a strategy here. Paulina Gretzky has built a net worth estimated around $5 million (not even counting the "Great One's" future inheritance).
She’s not just "Dustin Johnson’s wife." She’s a brand.
- Modeling & Acting: She’s done the Grown Ups 2 thing and the Golf Digest covers.
- Real Estate: She and DJ have flipped multi-million dollar mansions in Florida for serious profit.
- Social Media Mastery: With millions of followers, a single post from her can generate more engagement than a PGA Tour highlights reel.
What We Can Learn From the US Open Spectacle
Basically, the intersection of Paulina Gretzky and the US Open tells us a lot about modern sports. It’s no longer just about the 72 holes. It’s about the "lifestyle" of the athletes.
👉 See also: The Fifth Wheel Kim Kardashian: What Really Happened with the Netflix Comedy
If you're looking to understand why certain golfers get more airtime even when they're playing poorly, look at who is standing behind the 18th green. Paulina changed the way we watch the US Open. She made it a red carpet event.
Actionable Takeaway for Fans:
If you want to follow the "inner circle" of golf, stop looking at the official PGA or LIV accounts. Follow the partners. That’s where you see the real stress of a Sunday back nine. For the latest on Paulina’s fashion or DJ’s schedule, check her verified Instagram—that’s usually where the news breaks first.
Watch the replays of the 2016 win. Look past the dress. Watch how DJ looks at her after he sinks that final putt. That’s the real story.
Next Steps:
You can research the specific details of the 2016 US Open rules controversy to see just how much pressure Dustin Johnson was under before Paulina met him on the green. You might also want to look into the Dustin Johnson Foundation, which both Paulina and DJ use to support junior golf and children's charities.