LIV Golf's Dustin Johnson dismisses retirement talk

It was only four years ago that Dustin Johnson played a starring role in a stunning US Ryder Cup victory on home soil. 

Johnson went 5-0 at Whistling Straits and it appeared as though he would make at least two or maybe three more appearances for the stars and stripes. 

Many also expected Johnson to add to his tally of two major championship victories and contend for plenty more PGA Tour titles. 

But Johnson joined LIV Golf in June 2022 and, despite a recording three individual victories in the PIF-backed league, has not been the same player. 

Johnson made all four cuts in the major championships in the same year he joined LIV but has since missed six - three of which arrived this year. 

The 41-year-old exited the 2025 Masters, PGA Championship and US Open at the halfway stage. 

In fairness he showed signs of life at The Open, finishing 23rd. Had it not been for an opening 73 at Royal Portrush, then Johnson may well have sneaked a top-10. 

Johnson is one of 11 LIV players in the field at this week's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. He began the tournament well, firing a bogey-free 64. 

And he told reporters that he feels good about his game now and the prospects of returning to golf's biggest stage in two years time. 

Keegan Bradley's US team were defeated 15-13 at Bethpage Black last week. 

The Ryder Cup heads to Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027 and Johnson wants to be there. 

"I'd love to," Johnson told reporters about a return. "I wanted to be there [Bethpage]. I just need to play a bit better and I can be there for Adare.

"I finally feel like I have my game coming back into form. I've got a lot more confidence in it and I am starting to swing it well again.

"I went through about a year where I just wasn't swinging at it very well. 

"But I feel I am now starting to hit a lot of nice shots and feel a lot more consistent. The last few months have been nice."

"And then I'm going fishing"

There has been plenty of discussion about Johnson's form over the last few years. 

He made absolutely no secret in hiding the fact the primary reason he joined LIV was for the cash. 

"Pretty simple," he previously said. "Someone offers anyone a job, doing the same thing they're already doing but less time at the office and they’re gonna pay them more. Pretty sure you're gonna take it."

It is understood Johnson received more than $100m. His contract reportedly expires at the end of 2026. 

His demeanor has led some to question whether he truly cares anymore. 

Butch Harmon told us before The Masters he's not certain Johnson is, explaining that Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau retained their competitive drive.

Johnson's team have always said it's a misconception that he doesn't care. 

The golfer, though, has made it clear that he has no plans to play senior golf. 

Earlier this year, Johnson told Associated Press that he can "grind for another six years". 

"And then I'm going fishing," he added.