'Number 15' Johnson "Eventually Leaving PGA Tour"... "Will Focus on LIV Golf Going Forward"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "I will be active in LIV Golf from now on."

Dustin Johnson, ranked 15th in the world, has finally left the PGA Tour. At a press conference held a day before the first event of the LIV Golf Invitational Series, which opens on the 8th (Korean time) at Centurion Golf Club near London, England, he explained, "I recently surrendered my PGA Tour membership card," adding, "I am grateful to the PGA Tour, but I believe this is the best decision for me and my family." He also expressed hope that "one day I can play in both leagues."

Johnson is a world star who previously held the world No. 1 ranking for 135 weeks, known for his powerful long drives. In 305 tournaments, he has won 24 times including 2 major championships, earning a total prize money of $74.28 million (93.2 billion KRW). It is interesting that his father-in-law is ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. After getting engaged to his daughter Paulina in 2013, he is now raising two sons aged 7 and 4. He held a late wedding ceremony last April at a luxury resort near Nashville, Tennessee.

LIV Golf is a new global professional golf tour supported by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). Starting in the UK, it holds eight tournaments in the US, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and other locations. It attracts players with a "money feast," offering a total prize money of $25 million (3.13 billion KRW) per tournament. Johnson is reported to have received as much as ?100 million (158.03 billion KRW) for participating in LIV Golf. Currently, Phil Mickelson (USA), Ian Poulter (England), and Sergio Garcia (Spain) have joined as well.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.