Dustin Johnson odds-on favorite for LIV Golf inaugural London event but quits PGA Tour, likely ruling out Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup

After the Phil Mickelson firestorm in February over the new LIV Golf series backed by the Saudis, former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson – who had been linked to the new tour -- released a statement saying he was fully committed to the PGA Tour. However, money talks. Johnson got a reported $125 million guarantee to play on the LIV series, and he officially resigned from the PGA Tour on Tuesday. In theory, he can still play the four majors -- but that's it, and Johnson likely won't be part of the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup for Team USA.

"At that time, I was committed to playing the PGA Tour," Johnson said of his decision in February and change of tune Tuesday. "I'm very thankful for the PGA Tour and everything it's done for me. I've done pretty well out there for the last 15 years. But this is something that was best for me and my family. It's something exciting and something new."

Johnson was the best American player at the 2021 Ryder Cup with a 5-0-0 record, while the 2022 Presidents Cup is this September at Quail Hollow in Charlotte. His decision to quit the PGA Tour has essentially taken him outside the jurisdiction of that tour if sanctions are brought against players who have made the decision to play on the Saudi-sponsored circuit. 

"I can't answer for the majors, but hopefully they'll allow us to play," said Johnson. "I am exempt for the majors, so I plan on playing there unless I hear otherwise."  

What's interesting is that Johnson was on the verge of becoming a lifetime member of the PGA Tour, the required 15 year-threshold just months away -- he already had reached the requisite 20 tournament wins. With 24 victories, Johnson has more PGA Tour wins than any player under the age of 50 other than Tiger Woods. Incidentally, Johnson's reported $125 million guarantee is $4 million more than Tiger has made in PGA Tour events in his career.

"The Ryder Cup is unbelievable and is something that has definitely meant a lot to me. I'm proud to say that I've played and represented my country. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to do that again but I don't make the rules,'' Johnson said Tuesday.

Mickelson also is playing on the LIV Golf series but didn't resign from the PGA Tour – he has a lifetime membership. Kevin Na, Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace, Charl Schwartzel, and Sergio Garcia also have quit the PGA Tour to play the LIV Golf series. Seven events will take place over the course of LIV Golf's four-month regular season. The eighth event will be the team championship in late October in Miami.

The first LIV Golf series event starts Thursday at The Centurion Club just north of London and Johnson has opened as a +400 favorite for the individual portion of the 54-hole no-cut event (there's also a team component). He's followed by Talor Gooch (+800), Oosthuizen (+1000), Garcia (+1200) and Na (+1600). Mickelson, who hasn't played an event since late January, is +2000.

Four players in the world top 50 are among the participants in London: Johnson (13), Oosthuizen (20), Na (33) and Gooch (35) – and 16 of the Top 100. There's a field of 48. 

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