Is Dustin Johnson Calling the PGA TOUR’s Bluff?

The biggest name by far on LIV Golf’s debut event list just put the PGA TOUR’s stance of “play there and find out” to the test.

Would the biggest tour in golf dare evict one of their marquee athletes because Dustin Johnson wants to test the LIV waters?

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We all know the back and forth drama between the PGA TOUR and its independent contractor army of stars who were being asked to consider playing on the fledgling LIV Golf series. And of course we’re all too familiar with Greg Norman and his disdain for his former meal ticket, so we don’t need to revisit already covered ground.

To be honest, I don’t get what the LIV series does for the golf fan. Most fans don’t care what the purse is, we just want to see really good golf played with high drama and exciting moments.

Nothing the LIV has spoken makes me think this is revolutionary, and has all the feels of another XFL or World Hockey Association in our sights. Welcome to Yawnsville, population: me.

The PGA TOUR told its players that anyone jumping ship to play for any LIV event faces possible suspension or termination of their Tour privileges. One by one the crème de la crème of the PGA said we’re going to stay put, which had to sound like the golden goose wasn’t going to lose any eggs to Norman’s spite series.

Dustin Johnson was one of the Tour elite who said thanks, but no thanks to LIV in a February statement:

“I feel it is now time to put such speculation to rest. 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.”

Then came the release of the participants list for the first LIV event and right there in the middle of it all was Dustin Johnson. Wait, what? Dustin Johnson is now fully uncommitted to the PGA TOUR?

As Ron Burgundy once observed in the movie ‘Anchorman,’ “Boy, that escalated quickly.”

There are other solid PGA and international players who are signed up for the inaugural LIV event in London, including Louis Oosthuizen, Lee Westwood, Kevin Na, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, and a few more. But none of them have the brand or cache of Dustin Johnson.

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Johnson is only 37, still in his prime, and playing pretty well right now (albeit not his best from a couple of years ago but still really good).

He’s a big name with a big list of sponsors, even if RBC dropped him for his announcement to play in this LIV event. But every big tournament DJ enters features DJ in the marketing. He’s a face, he’s a name, and he’s putting the Tour’s mettle to the test.

Does the PGA TOUR dare suspend or evict Dustin Johnson from their ranks?

Do they have the stomach for this upheaval?

Do they have the brass to take a hard line or will it all be a bunch of hot air from their Florida HQ?

Will they have the wherewithal to endure what may be many lawsuits from Tour pros who want the chance to earn more where and when they can as independent contractors?

One thing we know is Dustin Johnson will be competing in the LIV’s debut event and the PGA TOUR has their first major oh s*** decision to make right out of the intro gate.

Grab your popcorn, folks. This is going to get interesting.

Cover Image via Twitter