Dustin Johnson has become the subject of fresh speculation after withdrawing from Final Qualifying for The Open Championship, a decision that guarantees the former world No. 1 will miss the year’s final men’s major. The move has also fueled reports and debate about whether the two-time major champion could eventually make a return to the PGA Tour.
Johnson’s withdrawal from Final Qualifying marked the end of a remarkable streak of appearances in major championships. Having failed to earn an exemption into this year’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, the 2016 U.S. Open and 2020 Masters champion initially had the opportunity to qualify through one of the final qualifying events.
Instead, the LIV Golf star chose to withdraw before teeing it up, leaving many fans surprised by the decision.
While Johnson has not publicly explained his reasons in detail, the withdrawal immediately sparked widespread discussion about what it could mean for the next stage of his career.
PGA Tour return speculation grows
Adding to the intrigue are reports suggesting Johnson could be considering a pathway back to the PGA Tour if circumstances surrounding professional golf continue to evolve.
Since joining LIV Golf in 2022, Johnson has remained one of the circuit’s biggest names, serving as captain of the 4Aces GC team while collecting multiple victories and significant prize money.
His move to LIV effectively ended his PGA Tour membership, making a return far from straightforward under current rules. Any comeback would depend on PGA Tour eligibility requirements and the broader relationship between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
Although there has been ongoing discussion about the future structure of men’s professional golf, no official announcement has been made indicating Johnson is set to return.
A changing career
Johnson’s career has experienced significant changes over the past several seasons.
Once regarded as one of the most dominant players in the world, the American spent more than 130 weeks as world No. 1 and captured 24 PGA Tour victories, including wins at two major championships.
Since moving to LIV Golf, however, his appearances in the four majors have become more limited due to qualification criteria.
Missing The Open means Johnson will not compete in all four majors this season, something that would have been almost unthinkable during the peak of his career.
Missing Royal Birkdale
Royal Birkdale is expected to host one of the strongest fields of the year, featuring many of the world’s top-ranked players battling for the Claret Jug.
Johnson’s absence removes one of the most accomplished players of his generation from the championship.
Although he has enjoyed success on links courses in the past, including strong finishes in The Open, he will instead watch from afar as the world’s best compete for golf’s oldest major title.
Fans react
News of Johnson’s withdrawal generated mixed reactions across social media.
Some fans expressed disappointment that one of golf’s biggest stars will miss another opportunity to compete on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
Others viewed the decision as another sign that Johnson’s priorities have shifted since joining LIV Golf, while many questioned whether his future could eventually include another chapter on the PGA Tour.
The speculation has only intensified as conversations continue about the long-term direction of professional golf.
No official confirmation
Despite the growing rumors, there has been no official confirmation from Johnson or the PGA Tour regarding any plans for a return.
For now, the reports remain speculative, and Johnson continues to compete as one of LIV Golf’s marquee players.
Whether his withdrawal from Open qualifying proves to be a simple scheduling decision or the beginning of a larger career shift remains to be seen.
