'Too Compelling To Pass Up' - Johnson's Agent Explains Saudi League U-Turn

Dustin Johnson's agent released a statement after his client was revealed as the headline name for the LIV Series opener

Dustin Johnson hits a shot
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Dustin Johnson's agent says the LIV Golf Invitational Series was "too compelling to pass up" after the American's surprising PGA Tour U-Turn.

DJ pledged his allegiance to the PGA Tour in February via a Tour-released statement but has decided to skip next week's RBC Canadian Open, despite being an RBC ambassador, to headline the LIV Golf Invitational Series field at the Centurion Club.

Johnson, along with a number of others, has also gone against the PGA and DP World Tours in teeing it up in London following a declined release request for the event. Court proceedings are likely to follow after the PGA Tour's stance on banning players for teeing it up in the Saudi-backed Series.

“Dustin has been contemplating the opportunity off-and-on for the past couple of years. Ultimately, he decided it was in his and his family’s best interest to pursue it," the American's agent David Winkle said.

“Dustin has never had any issue with the PGA Tour and is grateful for all it has given him, but in the end, felt this was too compelling to pass up.”

Johnson's sponsor RBC says it is "extremely disappointed" of the news that he will not tee it up in next week's RBC Canadian Open. He has been with the Royal Bank of Canada since 2018 and played in every RBC Heritage and RBC Canadian Open since - until next week.

Elliott Heath
News Editor

Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He covered the 2022 and 2025 Masters from Augusta National and was there by the 18th green to watch Rory McIlroy complete the career grand slam. He has also covered five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews.