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Dustin Johnson extends LIV Golf contract amid team shakeups

Dustin Johnson extends LIV Golf contract amid team shakeups
Dustin Johnson becomes the first star to extend with LIV Golf (Photo: Getty)

Dustin Johnson is the first star to renew with LIV Golf. Which players are out, and which teams need reinforcements?

According to multiple 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 commitment to the Saudi-backed league. Meanwhile, several teams are still looking to fill roster spots for the upcoming season, with big names rumored to be in the mix. Team Captain Martin Kaymer is also shifting strategies in how he recruits new players.

Dustin Johnson stays with LIV Golf

As captain of the 4 Aces GC, Johnson will continue competing in LIV Golf for the foreseeable future. His extension is a major win for the league, which has faced ongoing speculation about top players potentially leaving. While more transfers are expected in the coming weeks, LIV organizers remain confident that other high-profile golfers will stay on board or join the league.

Henrik Stenson out, Kaymer eyes new talent

Not all players are returning. Those who failed to finish in the top 48 this season lost their spots for 2026. The most notable exit is 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson, who finished 49th and narrowly missed the cut. Other players not returning include Anthony Kim, Andy Ogletree, Mito Pereira, Yubin Jang, and Frederik Kjettrup.

Frederik Kjettrup’s departure leaves a vacancy in Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks GC team. The Danish player, who joined just last season, struggled to find his footing. Kaymer is now taking a different approach to recruitment, prioritizing passion for the game over financial incentives. “People only think about the rumors of millions of dollars being thrown around,” Kaymer told bunkered. “We’re not that kind of team. Sure, you get paid well if you play well—but not just for signing a contract.”

Kaymer is working with European Ryder Cup stats expert Edoardo Molinari to analyze potential replacements in detail. They’re comparing candidates to Kjettrup’s performance and exploring options from the European Tour, where interest in joining LIV is reportedly growing.