Dustin Johnson Reaffirms LIV Golf Commitment with New Three-Year Deal
Former world number one and two-time Major champion Dustin Johnson has emphatically declared his long-term future lies with LIV Golf, signing a fresh three-year contract that extends his stay until the end of the 2029 season. The announcement comes in the wake of fellow star Brooks Koepka's high-profile departure from the Saudi-backed circuit to rejoin the PGA Tour.
Johnson's Unwavering Loyalty to the LIV Golf Project
Speaking ahead of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Johnson insisted he has no plans to follow Koepka's path back to the traditional tour. "I don't see me going anywhere else," stated the 41-year-old American, who was one of the first marquee names to join LIV Golf in 2022 for a reported $100 million fee. "I'm happy playing right where I'm at. I think LIV is in a great spot. It's only going to keep getting better."
Johnson's new deal represents a significant show of faith in the league's trajectory, contrasting sharply with the recent exit of five-time Major winner Koepka, who forfeited approximately $15 million from the final year of his LIV contract to participate in the PGA Tour's new Returning Members Program.
Responding to Koepka's Departure with Indifference
When questioned about his former rival's decision, Johnson displayed notable equanimity. "Look, Brooks is doing, I guess, whatever he thinks is best for him," he remarked. "I haven't really talked to him that much... I don't really care one way or the other. Brooks can do whatever he thinks is best. Whether he plays on LIV or anywhere else, happy for him. Doesn't matter."
The golfer elaborated that Koepka's exit does not materially impact LIV's standing or his own commitment. "It doesn't hurt us or not hurt us, I don't think," Johnson added, suggesting the league's strength lies in its collective quality rather than individual departures.
Confidence in LIV's Competitive Format and Growth
Johnson expressed particular enthusiasm for LIV's recent transition to a four-round tournament format, which he believes benefits elite players. "I think it's better for the better players," he explained. "With three rounds, it is so hard to win because you have to play really well every single round... So if you just have the one day where you still might shoot a decent score, just don't play really good, it's almost like you're out of the tournament."
He praised the increasing competitiveness within LIV fields, noting: "Quality of players is getting better each year. It's already really good. It's extremely hard to win out there with the quality of the field."
Teammate Dynamics and Future Speculation
The situation appears less certain for Johnson's 4 Aces teammate Patrick Reed, who recently described the PGA Tour as "the best in the world" and indicated openness to a return under revised rules. Johnson, however, remains firmly settled, though he acknowledged he might occasionally participate in select PGA Tour events. "Would I play a couple events on tour? Sure, there's few events that I like. But I like playing LIV and I like playing around the world," he clarified.
Regarding another key LIV figure, Bryson DeChambeau—who has one year remaining on his current contract—Johnson offered: "I can't speak for him. I don't see him going anywhere. I think he's happy and he really likes LIV... But as far as I know, he's very happy, and he's really enjoying playing on LIV." DeChambeau's potential departure would represent a substantial blow given his substantial fan following and marketability.
Personal Contentment and Professional Focus
Appearing relaxed and cheerful during practice in Dubai, Johnson reflected on his current circumstances with evident satisfaction. "Yeah, life's good," he smiled. "Family's good. So, yeah, what's not to be happy about? Beautiful weather, nice golf course."
This personal contentment aligns with his professional certainty, as Johnson positions himself as a cornerstone of LIV Golf's ongoing development amidst the evolving landscape of professional golf.
