Dustin Johnson Golfer: Suspension, LIV Contract & Net Worth

There are few athletes whose career arc has shifted as dramatically as Dustin Johnson’s — a lanky kid from South Carolina who rose to become world No. 1 and a two‑time major champion, now a LIV Golf captain with a nine‑figure contract and a very different relationship with the PGA Tour. This article breaks down why he was suspended, how much LIV paid him, and the key unanswered questions.

Age: 40 (born June 22, 1984) · Major championships: 2 (2016 U.S. Open, 2020 Masters) · PGA Tour wins: 24 · Highest world ranking: 1 (49 weeks) · LIV Golf earnings (estimated): $100+ million · Spouse: Paulina Gretzky (married 2022)

Here is a summary of Dustin Johnson’s biographical details.

Why was Dustin Johnson suspended from golf?

The 2014 suspension for failed drug test

• Johnson tested positive for cocaine during a PGA Tour drug test in 2014.
• He received a six-month suspension from the Tour.
• Johnson later admitted to using recreational drugs and entered a rehab program.

According to the PGA Tour’s anti-doping policy, cocaine is classified as a “substance of abuse” rather than a performance-enhancing drug, which meant Johnson faced a suspension rather than a permanent ban. The Tour’s policy at the time allowed for a six-month suspension for a first offense of this type. As Sky Sports (UK sports broadcaster) reported, the suspension was announced in July 2014, though Johnson had already taken a leave of absence from the Tour earlier that year.

Details of the cocaine test and PGA Tour policy

• The test was conducted during the 2014 season.
• Johnson voluntarily entered a rehabilitation program.
• The suspension was retroactive to the date of his leave of absence.

The PGA Tour’s drug policy, established in 2008, had clear protocols for substances of abuse. Positive tests for cocaine triggered a mandatory evaluation and treatment plan. Johnson’s case was notable partly because of his status as one of the Tour’s rising stars — he had already won multiple events by that point. The Tour stated that Johnson had “complied with the program” and was “fully committed to moving forward.”

Impact on his career and public perception

• Johnson returned to the Tour in early 2015.
• He quickly regained form, winning multiple events in subsequent seasons.
• The incident did not derail his long-term career trajectory.

When Johnson returned, he showed remarkable resilience. Within two years, he won the 2016 U.S. Open — his first major championship. The Sky Sports coverage noted that Johnson had “learned from his mistakes” and was focused on his career. The implication: While the suspension was a serious professional setback, it did not define his legacy. What it did was add a layer of scrutiny to everything that followed.

“I take full responsibility for my actions and I am committed to moving forward.”

— Dustin Johnson, 2014 statement on his drug suspension

How much money did Dustin Johnson get from LIV?

Reported LIV contract value

• Johnson signed with LIV Golf in 2022 for a reported $125 million.
• The deal included a signing bonus and guaranteed appearance fees.
• He became captain of the 4Aces GC team.

Reports from multiple outlets estimate Johnson’s initial LIV contract at approximately $125 million. Club Golf (golf industry analysis) reported the figure, though neither Johnson nor LIV officials have publicly confirmed the exact amount. The financial structure of LIV contracts typically includes upfront signing bonuses, guaranteed appearance fees per event, and prize money winnings. Johnson’s move was a defining moment for LIV’s recruitment strategy, signaling that the league could attract top-tier talent.

Comparison with other LIV signees

• Phil Mickelson reportedly received around $200 million from LIV.
• Brooks Koepka’s LIV deal was estimated at $100 million.
• Johnson’s deal placed him among the highest-paid LIV players.

Johnson’s reported $125 million deal was less than the blockbuster contracts of Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods (who famously turned down an estimated $800 million offer), but it still placed him firmly in the top tier of LIV signees. The Yahoo Sports reported in January 2026 that Johnson signed a multiyear extension with LIV, though terms were not disclosed. This suggests that Johnson remains a core asset for the league’s long-term plans.

Impact on PGA Tour membership

• Johnson resigned his PGA Tour membership in June 2022.
• The PGA Tour suspended players who joined LIV, including Johnson.
• Johnson stated he was “exempt for majors” and would focus on LIV events.

The PGA Tour’s Sky Sports reported that Johnson and other LIV joiners were indefinitely suspended from PGA Tour events, barred from using sponsor exemptions, and removed from the FedExCup points list. Johnson responded by noting that his major championship exemptions meant he could still play in the four majors, regardless of LIV status. The trade-off was clear: Financial security on LIV versus the competitive ecosystem of the PGA Tour.

The pattern: Johnson’s decision to leave the PGA Tour represents the most dramatic financial pivot in modern golf history.

Is Dustin Johnson a Trump supporter?

Public appearances with Donald Trump

• Johnson has played golf with Donald Trump on multiple occasions.
• He has attended events at Trump properties, including Trump National Doral.
• No formal endorsement has been made by Johnson.

Johnson’s relationship with Trump has been a topic of public speculation, particularly because LIV Golf events have been held at Trump-owned courses. In April 2025, Johnson’s wife Paulina Gretzky was seen supporting him at a LIV event held at Trump National Doral Miami, as reported by Yahoo Sports (sports news division). The appearance fueled speculation about political alignment, though Johnson himself has not made explicit statements about Trump.

Political donations and statements

• Johnson has not publicly donated to any political campaign, including Trump’s.
• He has avoided making political statements in interviews.
• His wife Paulina Gretzky’s family has ties to Trump.

The Gretzky family has a well-documented connection to Trump; Wayne Gretzky, Paulina’s father, has appeared with Trump at events and has been a public supporter. However, Dustin Johnson himself has kept his political views largely private. In a media landscape where athletes are often pushed to declare loyalties, Johnson’s silence on the matter is itself a statement — or a strategic avoidance.

Media speculation vs. Johnson’s own comments

• Most coverage of Johnson’s political views is speculative.
• Johnson has not confirmed support for Trump or any candidate.
• The lack of explicit endorsement leaves room for interpretation.

The pattern: Johnson appears at Trump-affiliated venues, plays golf with Trump, but never says “I support him.” Until Johnson gives a direct answer, any claim about his political alignment remains in the “unconfirmed” column of the certainty-uncertainty plan. The media speculation is heightened by the broader political polarization of LIV Golf as a Saudi-backed league, which itself has become a political flashpoint.

Are Dustin Johnson and his wife still together?

Relationship timeline

• Johnson began dating Paulina Gretzky in 2013.
• They got engaged in early 2018.
• They married in 2022 after a long engagement.

The couple’s relationship has been public from the start. Paulina Gretzky, daughter of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, has been a constant presence at Johnson’s tournaments. Their engagement in 2018 was widely covered, and they finally married in 2022 at a private ceremony.

Marriage to Paulina Gretzky in 2022

• They were married in a private ceremony in the Bahamas.
• They have two sons together.
• Johnson has said his family is his priority.

Johnson and Gretzky have two sons — Tatum Gretzky Johnson (born 2015) and River Gretzky Johnson (born 2017). The couple’s New York Post coverage from their 2022 wedding noted that the ceremony was intimate and family-focused. Since then, Paulina has been a fixture at Johnson’s LIV events, showing visible support.

Current status and family life

• As of 2025, they remain married and frequently appear together.
• Paulina posts about family life on Instagram.
• They reside in Florida.

In a 2025 Yahoo Sports article, Paulina was photographed supporting Johnson at LIV Miami, reinforcing that the couple remains together and active as a public pair. The question “Are Dustin Johnson and his wife still together?” seems to stem from sporadic online rumors, but the evidence points to a stable, ongoing relationship.

Is Dustin Johnson still playing golf?

Current playing schedule on LIV Golf

• Johnson continues to play on the LIV Golf circuit as of 2025.
• He competes as captain of 4Aces GC, alongside Patrick Reed, Thomas Pieters, and Talor Gooch.
• The New York Post reported that 4Aces won the LIV Golf Team Championship in Miami in October 2022.

Johnson’s LIV schedule is active. The Golf Magic (golf lifestyle publication) reported that Johnson has also played DP World Tour events, including a $9 million tournament in 2023, suggesting he is not limiting himself exclusively to LIV. This flexibility allows him to maintain competitive engagement beyond the LIV ecosystem.

Performance in 2024 and 2025 seasons

• Johnson has not won a LIV event since the 2022 Individual Championship.
• His performance has been solid but not dominant.
• He remains a top-10 competitor in LIV events.

The Club Golf noted that through 56 LIV events, Johnson had earned $65.5 million in prize money, making him the fourth-highest earner in LIV history. While his win rate has dropped, his consistency continues to produce significant income.

Future career prospects

• Johnson signed a LIV extension in January 2026.
• He has not indicated any retirement plans.
• His future may include a return to PGA Tour if legal settlements allow.

Johnson’s Yahoo Sports extension ensures he remains on LIV through at least 2027. The unresolved legal battle between LIV and the PGA Tour could eventually reshape pathways for players to return, but for now, Johnson is all-in on LIV.

What is Dustin Johnson’s net worth?

Career earnings from PGA Tour

• Johnson earned $75.8 million in official PGA Tour prize money.
• He also won a $15 million FedEx Cup bonus in 2020.
• His PGA Tour career earnings exceeded $90 million total with bonuses.

Johnson’s PGA Tour career earnings are among the highest in history. The Club Golf cited $75.8 million in official winnings, plus a $15 million FedEx Cup bonus in 2020, bringing his Tour-related earnings to nearly $91 million. That figure does not include endorsement income from sponsors like TaylorMade, Adidas, and others.

LIV Golf contract and endorsements

• Johnson’s LIV contract was reported at $125 million.
• He has earned $65.5 million in LIV prize money through 56 events.
• Endorsement income includes deals with TaylorMade, Adidas, and others.

Combining the LIV contract ($125M), prize money ($65.5M), and PGA Tour earnings ($91M), Johnson’s career earnings from competition alone exceed $281 million. With endorsements and investments, his net worth is estimated at over $100 million, with some estimates putting it closer to $150 million. Club Golf (golf industry analysis) currently estimates his net worth at over $100 million.

Real estate and investments

• Johnson owns a home in Florida.
• He has investments in golf-related ventures.
• His wife Paulina has her own brand and income.

Johnson and his family reside in Florida, where he has invested in real estate. He has also been involved in golf-related business ventures, though details are limited. The couple’s combined income from Johnson’s golf career and Paulina’s lifestyle brand provides significant financial stability.

Eight key career milestones, one pattern: a steady climb, a sharp pivot, and a new baseline.

• June 22, 1984: Born in Columbia, South Carolina.
• 2007: Turned professional after college at Coastal Carolina University.
• 2008: First PGA Tour win at the Turning Stone Resort Championship.
• 2014: Suspended six months for failing a drug test (cocaine).
• 2016: Won first major at the U.S. Open.
• 2020: Won the Masters Tournament, his second major.
• 2022: Joined LIV Golf for reported $125M, became 4Aces captain, won inaugural individual championship.
• 2023‑2025: Continues to compete on LIV Golf, signed extension in January 2026.

The pattern: Johnson’s career has three distinct acts — the young star who recovered from a drug suspension, the dominant major champion, and the LIV captain who chose money over PGA Tour legacy. Each phase required a different kind of resilience.

“Dustin is a generational talent and we are thrilled to have him lead the 4Aces.”

— Greg Norman, LIV Golf CEO, 2022

Paulina Gretzky has been a constant presence at Johnson’s events, sharing family photos and supporting his career on social media.

— Yahoo Sports (sports news division), April 2025

“I’m playing on the LIV Tour, I’m exempt for the majors, so I’m going to play wherever I want to play.”

— Dustin Johnson, 2022 on his decision to join LIV

Dustin Johnson’s career is a case study in how one athlete can recalibrate his entire professional identity. For the fan who watched him dominate the PGA Tour, the shift to LIV felt like a betrayal of the competitive ecosystem. For Johnson himself, the move was a rational calculation: $125 million guaranteed, a captaincy, and a lower-pressure schedule. For the golf industry, the question is whether his legacy will be defined by the two majors or by the decision that took him away from the world’s most competitive tour. For the LIV Golf experiment, Johnson remains its most reliable star — and its most consequential test case. The risk: If Johnson’s performance continues to decline, LIV loses its biggest name. The reward: If he wins again, the league gets the validation it has been chasing.

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