'LIV Golf's Popularity Icon' Johnson Leads... "Worth 156.4 Billion Won~"

LIV Golf Invitational Series Round 2: Ortiz Ties for Lead with Consecutive 4-Under Scores

Dustin Johnson is preparing for his tee shot on the 5th hole on the second day of the LIV Golf second event. Portland, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "I am the face of LIV Golf."

Dustin Johnson (USA) is the ‘show icon’ of LIV Golf, sponsored by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). He held the world No. 1 ranking for 135 weeks with his powerful long drives, and in 305 PGA Tour events, he has won 24 times including 2 majors, earning a total of $74.28 million (96.4 billion KRW) in prize money. It is interesting that his father-in-law is ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky (Canada). Since getting engaged to his daughter Paulina in 2013, he is raising two sons aged 7 and 4.

This is why LIV Golf paid a staggering ?100 million (156.4 billion KRW) as a joining fee to Johnson. Johnson himself introduced on the 12th, a day before the first LIV Golf Invitational Series event (total prize money $25 million) held at Centurion Golf Club near London, UK, that it was "the best decision for me and my family" and that he "regrettably surrendered his PGA Tour membership card." However, he finished only 8th in the first event, showing a lack of presence.

The second event, held on the 2nd (Korean time) at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club (par 72) in Portland, Oregon, USA, is especially the first LIV Golf stage on the US mainland. Johnson raised expectations by shooting 4-under par for two consecutive days to share the lead (8-under par 136). Above all, his characteristic offensive power stood out as he collected 8 birdies (4 bogeys). The leading group featured the rise of ‘young blood’ who joined from the second event, including Carlos Ortiz (Mexico) who also shared the lead.

Brandon Grace (South Africa) is in 3rd place (6-under par 138), while ‘major man’ Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed are chasing in a tie for 5th place (4-under par 140). ‘The Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau (USA) remains tied for 10th (3-under par 141), apparently still dealing with a wrist injury. First event champion Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) is tied for 27th (3-over par 147), making a consecutive win difficult. The tournament features 48 players competing in a shotgun start format over 3 rounds with no cut-off.

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