DJ reverses course, will headline field at inaugural LIV event
Dustin Johnson will be a surprise participant in the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series event in England this June.
The two-time major champion joins Louis Oosthuizen and Sergio Garcia, as well as notable Brits Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, among 42 players in the field.
Other than DJ, who's your biggest surprise from the LIV list? pic.twitter.com/epaLbHk10L
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) June 1, 2022
In February, Johnson looked to put an end to rumors that he'd take part in the Saudi-backed Super Golf League run by Greg Norman and LIV Investments.
"I feel it is now time to put such speculation to rest," he said at the time. "I am fully committed to the PGA TOUR. I am grateful for the opportunity to play on the best tour in the world and for all it has provided me and my family."
The PGA TOUR and the European Tour denied players releases, so they risk being punished for playing in LIV events.
Johnson and Oosthuizen give the upcoming tournament two of the world's top 20 players.
Phil Mickelson isn't yet confirmed to be playing in the tournament, but he's still eligible. The Hall of Famer stirred up controversy in February with explosive comments about both the Saudi regime funding the LIV events - with which he was partnering - and the PGA TOUR itself.
Mickelson's comments led Johnson and other high-profile players to pledge their loyalty to the PGA TOUR.
The LIV tournament will run from June 9-11 at Centurion Club, which is just north of London. It will offer $25 million in prize money.