‘I don’t care’: Dustin Johnson (still) unfazed by LIV critics
Dustin Johnson gave a very clear answer when asked if he worries he’ll be judged for joining LIV Golf in the new PGA Tour Netflix series.
Dustin Johnson couldn’t have been more honest when revealing his decision to join LIV Golf on Full Swing – the new Netflix series on the PGA Tour.
The two-time major champion branded the offer of more money for less time on the golf course as a no-brainer following his shock switch to the Saudi-backed series in 2022.
Before the names on Greg Norman’s roster were revealed, few could’ve expected Johnson to join the likes of Phil Mickelson, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia who’d already been linked with moves away from the PGA Tour.
Johnson featured prominently in episode five of the much-anticipated docuseries where he and his wife Paulina discuss the decision to join the new league which starts its second season on February 24.
“I’ve had a wonderful career on the PGA Tour and I’m very proud of it and always will be and obviously now, I’ve taken a different step in my life and career,” Johnson said.
“I enjoyed it (LIV’s first event at Centurion),” he told his friends and family in one scene. “They had music playing on the range which was nice. It just created a little different vibe. I felt like the fans enjoyed it.
“The decision to join LIV finally just came down to the offer that they made me. For me it was playing less, making more money. Pretty simple.
“If someone offered anyone a job, doing the same thing that they’re already doing, but less time at the office and they’re gonna pay them more. (I’m) pretty sure you’re going to take it.
“I mean – something’s wrong with you if you didn’t.”
He then answered a question on if people would doubt him for moving to LIV Golf:
“I really don’t care.”
When Johnson addressed the media at LIV’s first-ever event at Centurion Club last June, he attributed his decision as a service to his family, which is also what Brooks Koepka alluded to during the Netflix show.
The 38-year-old banked just short of $75 million in 307 PGA Tour events, but after just seven individual LIV events last season, he banked $18 million as the points list leader.
The staggering amounts of money that the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia holds has helped to lure the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Reed and Lee Westwood to the rival golf league.
Despite the riches on offer, Johnson has sacrificed earning Official World Golf Ranking points (for now) and his decision could jeopardise his future participation in majors and the Ryder Cup.
As far as we know, he is eligible to play in all four majors in 2023 and he will attend the Champions Dinner at the Masters after winning the Green Jacket in 2020.
His LIV Golf schedule is less busy than his PGA Tour schedule, but Johnson maintained on the Netflix show that he is still one of the premier players on the planet and his motivation at the major championships is never lacking.
“I know I’m one of the best golfers in the world. I think I’ve proven it over a long period of time. When I show up to a major, I’m there to win,” he added.
“They can have their own opinion. For me personally, I feel like my reputation as a golfer’s already set, so I don’t think there’s anything to prove.”
Full Swing recorded a number of different players from both sides of the professional golf fence across eight episodes which were released on February 15.
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Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
