Dustin Johnson has parted ways with manufacturers Taylormade just days into the start of the 2025 season with LIV Golf in Riyadh. The former Masters champ’s longstanding partnership with the golfing giant began when he joined the PGA Tour in 2007.
While the brand boasts an elite roster including golf legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, Johnson is conspicuously absent from this list despite wielding their latest Qi35 driver recently in Riyadh. Golf spectators might have clocked Johnson sans his signature Taylormade cap at the season’s inaugural LIV event, instead donning gear from his 4Aces team.
Despite switching to the 4Aces polo shirt since his LIV transition, Johnson had remained loyal to his Taylormade headwear until now. The emblematic gear was notably missing in Riyadh, however, which proved to be a telling hint that the long-time alliance had drawn to a close.
A TaylorMade spokesperson confirmed to Golf Magic that the agreement between both parties has finally ended, admitting in a statement: “Yes, we no longer have rights to Dustin Johnson.”
Johnson kicked off his 2025 campaign with a modest performance as he left Taylormade behind, tying for 44th place at two-under-par. During this round, he fired off a stark warning to his LIV peers that he is aiming to have a prosperous and successful 2025, reports the Mirror US.
His week began on a high note as he shot a five-under-par 67 in the opening round. However, his performance dipped over the next two days, leaving him 15 shots adrift of Adrian Meronk, who clinched his first win on the Saudi-backed tour.
After exploding onto the LIV Golf scene with a league double in his debut season in 2022, Johnson’s form has seen a slight decline in subsequent years. But in 2025, Johnson is signalling a comeback to his rivals.
“First year out here on LIV, I played very well,” he told Bunkered. “I played okay the last couple of years, but the game is really close to where it was when I was playing really well. It’s golf. It’s hard to keep up that form all the time.
“But it is very close to getting back to where I want it to be… The game is good enough. Hopefully, this will be the year. 2025. I’m going to get after it this year and put in the work. Hopefully, I can compete in the majors.”
