LIV Golf star Dustin Johnson shows true colours with PGA Tour comments ahead of The Open

Dustin Johnson, once a vocal supporter of LIV Golf, has expressed no bitterness towards the PGA Tour ahead of The Open. Johnson, 40, left the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf in 2022, signing a £100 million deal. Despite the move ruling him out of the Ryder Cup, a recent £1.18 billion agreement suggests a merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf.

In an interview with Haute Time, Johnson reflected positively on his time with the PGA Tour. “I was on the Tour for 15 years, and I love everything it did for me — I always have and still do. But it is also pretty cool to start something completely new and it’s more of a global tour, where you play in places around the world,” he said. Johnson added that he is traveling more with LIV Golf and anticipates its growth.

Ahead of the Open, Johnson emphasized his continued motivation to win Major championships. “I still want to compete at a very high level. I am not getting any younger, I have to work harder than I did before to keep myself in good form, but I still feel great,” he stated. Johnson believes his game is nearing the level it was when he was a top competitor and feels he has “a lot of really good golf left.”

Johnson’s remarks echo his sentiments upon leaving the PGA, where he cited family considerations and financial benefits as his reasons. He said, “I thought it was best for me and my family. I resign my membership of the PGA Tour,” expressing hope that he would still be allowed to compete in majors.

Johnson will be a prominent figure at The Open, beginning on July 18, as the golf world continues to navigate the evolving landscape of professional tours.