Post by : Maya Rahman

American golf star Dustin Johnson has renewed his commitment to LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed professional golf league. According to multiple reports, Johnson has signed a new multi-year deal with the league, ensuring his continued participation as both a player and captain of the 4Aces GC team. The agreement follows months of speculation about early LIV Golf signees reconsidering their futures.

Johnson was among the earliest and most high-profile players to join LIV Golf in June 2022, reportedly for a contract worth more than US$100 million. While the financial details of his new deal have not been disclosed, sources confirmed that the 2022 Individual Championship winner met with league officials in New York before signing the extension. His continued presence offers stability to a league that has faced questions over player loyalty and long-term structure.

The popular golf site Flushing It, known for reliable sources within LIV Golf, confirmed the news on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “Multiple sources confirm that Dustin Johnson has signed a new contract with LIV Golf,” the outlet posted, adding that Johnson will continue as the captain of 4Aces GC in 2026. The report also noted that most players up for renewal this year have already agreed to new terms and are expected to compete next season.

Despite his influence as one of LIV Golf’s biggest names, Johnson’s recent form has been below his usual high standards. He finished 14th in the individual race this season and his team, the 4Aces, placed seventh in the team standings. In the global rankings, his position has fallen dramatically, reaching 595th in the Official World Golf Ranking due to limited participation in traditional tournaments.

In Major Championships, Johnson has struggled to regain his previous success. The 2016 U.S. Open and 2020 Masters winner missed the cut in all but one Major this year, finishing T23 at The Open Championship after failing to advance in the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and Masters.

Johnson’s ranking fell as low as 907th earlier in the year, but he managed to recover slightly with a strong performance at the International Series Philippines, where he finished tied for 15th place, 11 shots behind winner Miguel Tabuena. This modest comeback has sparked hopes that Johnson can rediscover consistency heading into the next LIV Golf season.

The 41-year-old has previously spoken about the benefits of LIV Golf’s schedule, which offers players more time off compared to the PGA Tour. Johnson has expressed satisfaction with this flexibility, saying it allows him to spend more time with family and avoid overextending his playing career. “I’m happy where I am. The schedule gives me freedom, and I don’t plan to play too long past my prime,” Johnson said in an earlier interview.

Johnson’s re-signing comes amid ongoing speculation that some early LIV Golf recruits might seek a return to the PGA Tour as their access to Major tournaments narrows. Among the most talked-about names is Brooks Koepka, whose contract reportedly expires after the 2026 season. Like Johnson, Koepka struggled in this year’s Majors, making the cut only once — a T12 finish at the U.S. Open.

Koepka has dropped to 227th in the world rankings, and although he could seek a return to the PGA Tour, the mandatory one-year waiting period imposed on departing LIV players complicates such moves.

With Johnson reaffirming his loyalty, LIV Golf strengthens its roster stability heading into 2026. His leadership of the 4Aces GC and continued star presence bolster the league’s global reputation. While debates over the sport’s fragmentation persist, Johnson’s renewed commitment signals confidence in the league’s future growth and direction.

Despite his recent struggles, Dustin Johnson remains a central figure in the LIV Golf narrative. His renewed contract not only underscores his faith in the league’s vision but also reflects his comfort with its player-first schedule. As LIV Golf enters its next phase, Johnson’s presence ensures both experience and credibility, keeping him at the forefront of golf’s evolving landscape.

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