Dustin Johnson becomes the first star to renew his LIV Golf contract. Who’s out for 2026, and which teams need reinforcements?
According to multiple media reports, Dustin Johnson has signed a new contract with LIV Golf. The 41-year-old becomes the first of the original LIV stars to officially extend his deal with the Saudi-backed league. Several teams still have open roster spots for the upcoming season, and familiar names are again in the mix. Team captain Martin Kaymer is reportedly taking a new approach to player recruitment this year.
Dustin Johnson stays on as LIV Golf captain
Johnson, captain of the 4 Aces GC, will continue competing in the LIV Golf League in the coming seasons. His commitment is a major win for the league, which has faced ongoing speculation about top players potentially leaving. While it’s unclear who else may join during the transfer window, LIV officials remain optimistic that more big names will stay on board.
Henrik Stenson out, Kaymer seeks new talent
As in previous years, several team spots are up for grabs. Players who did not finish in the top 48 of the season standings lose their place for 2026 and must be replaced. The most notable exit is 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson, who finished 49th—just missing the cut. Other departing players include Anthony Kim, Andy Ogletree, Mito Pereira, Yubin Jang, and Frederik Kjettrup.
Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks GC is among the teams needing reinforcements after Kjettrup’s departure. The Danish player, who joined just last season, failed to make a lasting impact. Kaymer plans to shift his recruitment strategy away from financial incentives and toward players who prioritize performance and commitment. “People only think about the rumors of millions of dollars floating around,” Kaymer told bunkered. “We’re not that kind of team. Of course, you get paid well if you play well, but not just for signing a contract.”
Kaymer is working closely with European Ryder Cup data expert Edoardo Molinari to analyze potential replacements in detail. They aim to compare each candidate’s metrics to Kjettrup’s and assess how they might have performed in similar situations. Kaymer also confirmed interest from European Tour players looking to join Cleeks GC.
Multiple sources confirm that Dustin Johnson has signed a new contract with LIV Golf. The details of the deal are unknown at this stage, but the 2022 Individual Championship winner was in New York recently to meet with officials and will be returning as captain of 4 Aces GC in… https://t.co/iKw3ZJfQMO pic.twitter.com/AQ4lyPhquD