What's Next for a Former Top-Ranked Golfer in the World?
Dustin Johnson had a quiet year in the majors as he didn’t make the cut three times and finished 23rd at the 2025 Open Championship. It is also a fact that he wasn’t among the favorites to win any of the majors this year. Johnson has officially renewed his contract with LIV, ensuring he remains the captain of the “4 Aces” team alongside teammates Patrick Reed, Harold Varner III, and Thomas Pieters. The decision to stay with LIV will be a pivotal one, as the former number one player will compete in the majors under LIV for the foreseeable future. News of Johnson’s new contract didn’t go over well with fans on social media. Several users on X criticized the move, with one commenting, “HOF career ruined,” reflecting the disappointment among some followers.
The 41-year-old golfer has been experimenting heavily with his putter throughout 2025, and last week was no exception. The two-time major champion added a new flatstick to his setup, marking his sixth putter change of the year. After alternating between TaylorMade and L.A.B. Golf models earlier this season, Johnson opted for a Scotty Cameron Phantom T5 at the International Series Philippines on the Asian Tour — a putter he’s used in the past. It wasn’t his only adjustment in the Philippines, as he also swapped his Adidas Tour360 shoes for Nike Victory Tour 4s.
The decision to stay with the LIV Tour and the switching of putter and gears indicate a sign of regression for the 2016 U.S. Open Champion. The LIV Tour for fans is often seen as a senior tour or a cash grab for the golfers who are past their prime or those who are 50 years old and up. For the former top-ranked golfer, LIV has given him a $125 million deal offer, giving him financial security, unaffected by cuts, weather conditions, or performance. As captain of 4 Aces GC, Johnson holds equity in a franchise that could appreciate over time. LIV’s lighter tournament slate provides him with greater flexibility, allowing for more business opportunities and family time without sacrificing substantial income. In the end, the former number one has chosen security for his family over his legacy in the game of golf, which garners debate for legacy versus security.
