Dustin Johnson issues blistering response to LIV Golf critics and insists Bryson DeChambeau is going nowhere
Dustin Johnson says he 'doesn't care' that Brooks Koepka has quit the LIV circuit and expects Bryson DeChambeau to snub any opportunity to follow him back to the PGA Tour.
There has been intrigue around DeChambeau's next move ever since Koepka jumped ship earlier this month, opening a loophole for the two-time major winner to do the same.
DeChambeau, who by some distance is now LIV's most marketable asset, is highly unlikely to take such an option in the short term but was visibly muted in his enthusiasm when saying last week that he will see out the last year of his contract.
It remains to be seen if he can successfully use Koepka's departure as leverage for a huge offer to extend with LIV, but Johnson, who also plays on the Saudi-backed tour, does not expect him to leave.
He said: 'Bryson, obviously he brings big crowds and he's got a lot of fans. I don't see him going anywhere. I think he's happy and he really likes LIV.
'As far as I know, he's very happy, and he's really enjoying playing on LIV.'
Dustin Johnson has come out swinging in his defence of LIV Golf and Bryson DeChambeau
Johnson has signed a new deal with the Saudis and will remain a part of LIV Golf for 2026
Johnson is currently in Dubai for the Desert Classic alongside 10 other rebels, ahead of the LIV season commencing in Saudi Arabia on February 4.
Koepka's exit has renewed questions about the longevity of the circuit, but Johnson markedly underplayed the loss of the five-time major winner.
He said: 'I don't really care one way or the other. You know, Brooks can do whatever he thinks is best. Whether he plays on LIV or anywhere else, happy for him. Doesn't matter. Doesn't hurt us or not hurt us, I don't think.
'Look, Brooks is doing whatever he thinks is best for him. I haven't really talked to him that much. I have seen him back home at practice, we played a little bit, but we haven't talked about why or what he did it for.'
Brooks Koepka stunned the world of golf by making the decision to return to the PGA Tour
Yasir Al-Rumayyan is fighting to keep LIV as a force after losing one of their star players
In terms of his own career, Johnson, 41, intends to see out his competitive days on LIV after recently re-signing with the league.
He said: 'I think LIV is in a great spot and it's only going to keep getting better. The quality of players is getting better each year.
'It's extremely hard to win out there with the quality of field.
'I'm happy playing right where I'm at. I don't see me going anywhere else.'
