Dustin Johnson: Brooks Koepka's exit "doesn't hurt LIV Golf"

Dustin Johnson says Brooks Koepka's decision to quit LIV Golf "doesn't hurt" the league. 

Koepka became the first major champion to quit the PIF-backed breakaway last December and has already been reinstated to the PGA Tour under a new scheme. 

The 36-year-old will make his comeback later this month at the Farmers Insurance Open, four years after his last start on the American circuit. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, some golf fans, analysts and even players suggested Koepka's departure marked the beginning of the end for LIV. 

Another off-season has passed without any major signings. Thomas Detry, the world number 61, is the highest-ranked recruit. 

Laurie Canter, Victor Perez, Ben An, Elvis Smylie and amateur star Michael La Sasso have also been snapped up by LIV in recent weeks. 

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• LIV Golf signings 2026

But Johnson, who has recently signed a contract to remain with LIV Golf until 2029, is completely unfazed by Koepka's departure and believes the future is bright. 

"It doesn't matter, it doesn't hurt us I think," Johnson told reporters before the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. 

"[The] quality of players is getting better each year. It's already really good.  I mean, it’s extremely hard to win out there with the quality of field."

Johnson also believes LIV's decision to align themselves by extending their tournaments to 72 holes is a benefit. 

"I think it's better for the players," he said. 

Koepka has been allowed to return via the "returning members programme" that closes on 2 February - two days before LIV's season begins. 

Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith are the only other golfers eligible cross back over if they wish. 

All three have said they will reject the opportunity. 

Johnson's teammate, Patrick Reed, admitted to Telegraph Sport at the beginning of the week he would consider quitting LIV Golf if he was offered the same terms. 

Johnson said there were certainly some PGA Tour events he would participate in, but he's happy where he is at and will retire with LIV. 

"Like I said, it's only getting better," Johnson said. "We're going to continue to grow, and the fields keep getting better, too."

Dustin Johnson opens up on slump

Johnson comes into the 2026 season having endured one of the worst in his professional career. 

For the first time in more than a decade, he failed to step into the winner's circle. 

He has not won a tournament since LIV's stop in Las Vegas in February 2024. 

Johnson also missed cuts in three of the four major championships. 

The golfer has maintained that his problems, primarily, have been with the driver. 

Equipment free agent Johnson is using TaylorMade's Qi4D this season. 

"I mean I'm still motivated, I still love competing, you know I still feel like I have the game to compete with the best in the world," he told Mirror Sport US last week. 

"I still consider myself one of the best players in the world and you know I know I still have the skill set and you know the game to compete with anyone at any time and yeah just like I said over the last almost it's been about a year and a half now I've been struggling with, you know, the driver."