Dustin Johnson has shrugged off Brooks Koepka's departure from LIV Golf, insisting he is committed to the Saudi-backed league for the rest of his career. The 41-year-old double Major winner, who recently signed a new three-year deal, said he does not care about Koepka's decision to return to the PGA Tour.
Koepka, a five-time Major champion, forfeited $15 million from the final year of his LIV contract to rejoin the PGA Tour under its new Returning Members Program. Johnson, speaking ahead of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: '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.'
Johnson, who joined LIV in 2022 for a reported $100 million, has now extended his deal until the end of the 2029 season. He said: 'I think LIV is in a great spot. It's only going to keep getting better. Quality of players is getting better each year.' He added that he sees himself staying with LIV until retirement: 'I would say so, yeah. I don't see me going anywhere else.'
Asked about the possibility of playing some PGA Tour events, Johnson said he is happy with LIV but would consider a few tournaments. 'I'm happy playing right where I'm at. Would I play a couple events on tour? Sure, there's few events I like. But I like playing LIV and I like playing around the world.'
Johnson also commented on teammate Patrick Reed, who has expressed openness to a PGA Tour return, and Bryson DeChambeau, whose LIV contract has one year left. 'I don't see him going anywhere,' Johnson said of DeChambeau. 'I think he's happy and he really likes LIV.'
Reflecting on his own situation, Johnson said: 'Yeah, life's good. Family's good. So, yeah, what's not to be happy about? Beautiful weather, nice golf course.'
