In a move that has sent shockwaves through the golfing community, Dustin Johnson has officially terminated his contract with LIV Golf and submitted a formal offer to return to the PGA Tour. The two-time major champion, who became one of the earliest and most influential players to join the Saudi-backed league in 2022, now appears ready to return to the traditional circuit where he first made his name.
Johnson’s decision marks a stunning twist in the ongoing saga between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf — two organizations that have redefined professional golf since their split three years ago. While details of Johnson’s negotiations with the PGA Tour remain confidential, sources close to the 39-year-old reveal that he is determined to “finish his career where it began.”
“I’ve always respected the PGA Tour and what it’s done for the game,” Johnson reportedly told close friends. “The last few years have been different, but golf is still my passion, and I want to compete where it all started.”
The former world No. 1 was one of LIV Golf’s biggest early signings, helping to bring legitimacy to the breakaway league. Over the years, he collected major earnings and played a leading role in his team’s success. However, as talks between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund continue to drag on without a firm resolution, Johnson’s decision to part ways with LIV suggests a shift in his priorities — one that leans toward legacy rather than money.
Ahead of his appearance in the Philippines this week, Johnson addressed the media to confirm that he will still honor his commitment to compete in the Asian Tour’s International Series event, his first of the season. The tournament marks his first competitive outing since formally ending his LIV Golf contract, and it’s expected to draw significant attention from both fans and golf insiders eager to gauge his mindset and future plans.
Speaking ahead of the event, Johnson highlighted the importance of expanding golf’s global reach and using international events to inspire new audiences.
“Golf’s growing everywhere, and it’s great to be part of that,” he said. “Playing around the world gives you a new perspective and helps the game reach new fans. That’s what it’s all about.”
Despite his global travels, Johnson’s 2025 season has been unusually quiet. For the first time since 2014, he hasn’t recorded an individual win. Still, in typical “DJ” fashion, he brushed off concerns with his trademark calm confidence.
“It’s golf,” he said with a smile. “You have good stretches and tough ones. The course is new, but the approach is the same — play solid, stay patient, and see what happens.”
Should the PGA Tour accept his offer to return, Johnson’s comeback could reshape the narrative of professional golf. His reinstatement would not only signify one of the first major returns from a high-profile LIV defector but also potentially pave the way for other players to follow suit.
A Masters and U.S. Open champion, Johnson remains one of golf’s most recognizable figures, and his rejoining the PGA Tour could inject fresh energy and star power into its ranks. For many fans, his potential return represents a bridge between golf’s divided worlds — the traditions of the PGA Tour and the bold new ventures of LIV.
For now, Johnson’s focus is on his game in the Philippines, but the eyes of the golfing world are fixed firmly on what happens next. One thing is certain — Dustin Johnson’s decision to walk away from LIV and seek a return to the PGA Tour marks one of the most dramatic storylines in modern golf history.
