Dustin Johnson has shocked the golfing world by terminating his contract with LIV Golf and making a formal offer to return to the PGA Tour. The two-time major champion, who was one of the first high-profile players to defect to the Saudi-backed league in 2022, is now seeking a way back into the traditional structure of the sport he once dominated.
Johnson’s decision marks a stunning reversal. When he left the PGA Tour, he did so after resigning his membership and securing a highly lucrative deal with LIV. During his time there, he won the inaugural individual championship and led his team to several titles. Yet despite the financial rewards, the move limited his exposure to world-ranking points and reduced his presence in marquee PGA Tour events. In recent seasons, his form has also dipped, leaving him outside the top ranks where he once stood as world number one.
One of the major frustrations for Johnson and other LIV players has been the inability of LIV Golf to secure Official World Golf Ranking points. This restricted access to the sport’s biggest events and made it more difficult to qualify for major championships. Johnson’s recent split with longtime equipment sponsor TaylorMade further signaled a transitional period in his career, and sources suggest that declining incentives for existing LIV players may have accelerated his decision to leave.
The offer Johnson has reportedly submitted to the PGA Tour is believed to include conditions that would allow him to regain entry into major tournaments and high-profile events. If approved, it would be one of the most notable returns yet for a player who had left for LIV. However, the PGA Tour faces a delicate decision. Its rules for reinstating former members are complex and may involve restrictions, probationary periods, or reduced category status.
Johnson’s return would have significant implications. On one hand, it could re-ignite his career on the stages where he first became a household name, offering him a chance to chase more titles and revive sponsorship opportunities. On the other hand, it raises questions about fairness and precedent for other golfers who stayed loyal to the PGA Tour or who may also seek to return from LIV. The reaction from fans and fellow players will likely be mixed, as many still remember the bitterness of the initial split.
His move also comes at a time when negotiations between the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and other global tours remain unsettled. A high-profile player like Johnson pushing for a comeback will increase pressure on both sides to establish clearer rules for the future of the professional game. For LIV, his departure represents a blow, while for the PGA Tour, it could be an opportunity to strengthen its roster with one of golf’s most recognizable names.
Although official details of Johnson’s offer have not yet been disclosed, his intention is clear. After several years away from the PGA Tour, the 2020 Masters champion wants to return to the circuit where he built his legacy. Whether the Tour accepts him back, and under what conditions, will be closely watched as professional golf continues to grapple with division and change.
