Another one’s gone as DJ quits PGA Tour for LIV life
Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson has stunned the golf world by giving up his PGA Tour membership. George Cooper reports
Dustin Johnson has confirmed he will be resigning his membership from the PGA Tour ahead of this week’s inaugural LIV Golf Invitational.
The stunning announcement comes after Johnson was listed in the field to play in the controversial breakaway league’s opening event at Centurion between 9-11 June.
The former World No 1 dropped the news when speaking at a press conference prior to the event, insisting that the decision “gives me an opportunity to do what I want to do.”
He added: “I have resigned my membership from the [PGA] Tour, I’m going to play here for now [LIV Golf], that’s the plan.
“Obviously all things are subject to change, but ultimately I have decided to come to this. I chose what’s best for me and my family.”
Johnson has been a member of the PGA Tour since 2007, and had previously committed his future to the circuit amid LIV Golf speculation back in February.
But in a sensational 360 – no doubt fuelled by the reported $125 million signing-on fee – Johnson now joins Kevin Na as the second player to openly confirm that they will be resigning their membership in the PGA Tour in order to commit themselves to the LIV Golf Invitational.
It also means he will be ineligible for the Ryder Cup, at which he has made five appearances.
“Hopefully at some point it will change and we will be able to participate.” Johnson said. “It was another thing that I really had to think long and hard about, but ultimately I have decided to come to this.
“Obviously the Ryder Cup is unbelievable and is something that has meant a lot to me. I’m proud to say I’ve played for and represented my country. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to do that again, but I don’t make the rules.”
Following the announcement, the USGA released a statement saying it still allow those competing in the LIV Golf Invitational to play in the 2022 US Open.
Subscribe to NCG
George Cooper
A golf fanatic his entire life, George Cooper is NCG's man for all goings-on at the top level of the game, whether it's the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA or LIV Golf. He also looks after NCG's Twitter and Facebook accounts. George is a member of Woburn, but is not friends with Ian Poulter.
