Dustin Johnson has made it clear that he is unfazed by Brooks Koepka's decision to leave the LIV Golf circuit, while also expressing confidence that Bryson DeChambeau will not follow suit back to the PGA Tour. The golf world has been abuzz with speculation about DeChambeau's future since Koepka's surprising move earlier this month, which created a potential pathway for other players to reconsider their allegiances.
DeChambeau's Stance and Market Value
DeChambeau, widely regarded as LIV's most marketable player currently, appears unlikely to make a swift exit in the near term. Last week, he offered a notably reserved response when discussing his commitment, stating he plans to honour the final year of his contract. This has led to questions about whether he might leverage Koepka's departure to negotiate a lucrative extension with LIV, though Johnson remains sceptical of any departure.
In a recent statement, Johnson emphasised DeChambeau's appeal and contentment within the LIV setup. 'Bryson, obviously he brings big crowds and he's got a lot of fans. I don't see him going anywhere. I think he's happy and he really likes LIV,' Johnson remarked. 'As far as I know, he's very happy, and he's really enjoying playing on LIV.'
Johnson's Defence of LIV Golf
Johnson, who has recently renewed his own contract with the Saudi-backed tour, is currently in Dubai for the Desert Classic alongside ten other LIV players. The new season is set to commence in Saudi Arabia on February 4, amid ongoing scrutiny about the circuit's sustainability following Koepka's exit.
When asked about Koepka's departure, Johnson downplayed its significance. 'I don't really care one way or the other. You know, Brooks can do whatever he thinks is best. Whether he plays on LIV or anywhere else, happy for him. Doesn't matter. Doesn't hurt us or not hurt us, I don't think,' he said. Johnson added that he has had limited discussions with Koepka about the reasons behind the move, noting they have only briefly interacted during practice sessions back home.
Future Prospects and Personal Commitment
Looking ahead, Johnson, aged 41, reaffirmed his intention to finish his competitive career with LIV Golf, praising the league's trajectory. 'I think LIV is in a great spot and it's only going to keep getting better. The quality of players is getting better each year,' he stated. 'It's extremely hard to win out there with the quality of field. I'm happy playing right where I'm at. I don't see me going anywhere else.'
This strong endorsement comes as LIV Golf faces challenges in retaining star players, with figures like Yasir Al-Rumayyan working to maintain the circuit's influence. Johnson's comments underscore a broader narrative of loyalty and growth within the LIV ranks, even as the PGA Tour continues to attract defectors like Koepka.
