LIV Golf has signed two-time main champion Dustin Johnson to a multi-year contract extension, the league introduced Wednesday.
Johnson, who gained the 2016 U.S. Open and 2020 Masters whereas competing on the PGA Tour, is the captain of the 4Aces GC workforce.
“Clearly we’re very enthusiastic about this yr,” Johnson mentioned Tuesday at a press convention in Palm Seashore, Florida. “I believe we’ll be going to some new venues, which may be very thrilling. After all, any time you go to a brand new place, particularly every part you are listening to about South Africa, it may be nice. We’ve a whole lot of followers.”
Wednesday’s tour information move included CEO Scott O’Neal’s announcement that prize cash would enhance from $25 million to $30 million, together with workforce efficiency. He mentioned simply over $22 million could be earmarked for particular person outcomes.
In the meantime, the league additionally introduced that Thomas Detrie, a former PGA Tour and DP World Tour member and No. 58 within the Official World Golf Rankings, has joined the 4Aces. Final season, he gained the WM Phoenix Open by seven strokes, changing into the primary Belgian golfer to win on the PGA Tour.
“I believe he is a very nice participant,” Johnson mentioned. “I’ve performed with him a couple of occasions over time, however clearly the final three or 4 days I’ve spent a whole lot of time with him. (I) actually like the child. He is participant, very proficient.”
2018 Masters Champion Patrick Reed and former Ryder Cup participant Thomas Peters return to 4Aces.
Johnson, 41, was one of many first wave of PGA Tour members to depart for LIV Golf and have become its first season particular person champion in 2022. He completed 14th in particular person factors the previous two seasons.
Johnson, a 29-time winner on the PGA Tour, has not earned any world rating factors for his LIV Golf end, dropping him to 636th on the earth.
Johnson has missed the reduce in six of his final 9 begins within the majors.
Moreover, five-time PGA Tour winner Kevin Na has left the LIV Golf League. He was the captain of the Ironheads GC workforce, which was rebranded as Korea Golf Membership. Former PGA Tour participant Ben Anh was appointed captain.
