The golfing world has recently been rife with talk about players who switched to LIV Golf in 2022, with critics suggesting that these players were simply chasing a final payday before retiring. Notable names such as Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter were among those who made the shift to LIV Golf toward the twilight of their careers, sparking debates about their motivations and future performance.
One player who seemed to prove the naysayers wrong was Sergio García, who bagged the third position in the individual standings in 2024 and recently clinched victory in Hong Kong. García is even tipped to be a part of the European Ryder Cup team later this year. On the other hand, young talent Joaquin Niemann’s move from the PGA Tour to LIV seems to have been particularly fruitful.
However, not all transitions have been as successful. Take the case of Dustin Johnson, LIV’s most significant acquisition in 2022. The former world number one and two-time major titleholder initially showed promise, winning the individual title in his inaugural season and contributing to the 4Aces’ team victory. His victories extended into 2023 and 2024, but his performance took a nosedive recently, with a dismal showing in Hong Kong where he finished last. Johnson’s 2025 season so far has been point-less, much to the disappointment of fans and fellow players.
Smylie Kaufman, speaking on The Smylie Show, voiced his disappointment at Johnson’s dramatic decline since leaving the PGA Tour. An ardent Johnson fan, Kaufman expressed his sadness, speculating that Johnson might have lost his passion for golf. He also suggested a potential shift for Johnson from playing to broadcasting, humorously envisioning Johnson’s commentary on the broadcast.
Johnson’s performance at major golfing events since his move to LIV has been lackluster. Between 2016 to 2020, Johnson had a commendable track record, with two victories, three second-place finishes, and a third-place finish at the majors. His performance post-switch, however, has been underwhelming, with only two top 10 finishes at four major events. His last eight majors have seen just one top 30 finish, and he has missed the cut in three of his last five games.
While critics argue that the switch to LIV’s 54-hole events with a shotgun start played a part in his declining form, it’s also possible that Johnson’s dedication to the game has waned. Regardless, there’s no denying that Johnson’s golfing stock has taken a significant hit in recent years.
