LIV Golf has extended its deal with two-time major champion Dustin Johnson, announcing this news on Wednesday. Johnson, a former star of the PGA Tour who won the U.S. Open in 2016 and the Masters in 2020, leads the 4Aces GC team.
During a press event in Palm Beach, Florida, Johnson expressed his excitement for the upcoming season. “I’m really looking forward to this year,” he said. New venues are on the schedule, including a much-anticipated location in South Africa. “I’ve heard great things about it and can’t wait!”
LIV Golf also welcomed Thomas Detry to the 4Aces. Detry, currently ranked 58th in the Official World Golf Ranking, made history as the first Belgian to win a PGA Tour event, claiming the WM Phoenix Open by seven strokes. Johnson has praised Detry’s skills, stating, “He’s very talented and a good player.”
Two other members, Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, and Thomas Pieters, are set to return to the team.
At 41, Johnson was among the first golfers to join LIV Golf and won its inaugural season-long championship in 2022. However, his placement in the world rankings has declined—he’s now ranked 636th due to not earning points from LIV Golf events. Johnson has faced challenges recently, missing the cut in six of his last nine major tournaments.
In related news, Kevin Na has left LIV Golf, stepping down as captain of the Iron Heads GC. The team will now be called the Korean Golf Club, with former PGA Tour player Ben An taking over as captain.
Johnson’s journey showcases the evolving landscape of professional golf. With LIV Golf stirring up conversations about player choices and financial opportunities, experts note the industry’s ongoing transformation. According to a recent survey by the National Golf Foundation, 30% of golfers are now more interested in exploring LIV Golf, reflecting a growing curiosity about how this league is reshaping the sport.
The move to LIV Golf also highlights the changing dynamics around player compensation and career longevity in sports, raising questions about the future of traditional leagues. As the golf community watches closely, it will be interesting to see how these movements impact the game we all love.
For more insights on golf’s evolving landscape, check out the National Golf Foundation’s full report.
