Dustin Johnson issues brutal riposte to LIV Golf critics in Netflix's Full Swing

15 February 2023 , 08:30

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Netflix's Full Swing focuses on Dustin Johnson's LIV Golf move (Image: Getty Images)

Dustin Johnson insisted he "doesn't really care" about the critics who slammed his LIV Golf move, but admitted he still has "love" for the PGA Tour.

Johnson became one of the marquee names to controversially join the LIV Golf Series, leaving his glittering PGA Tour legacy behind. Johnson - along with the rest of the LIV defectors - was subsequently suspended from the PGA Tour following the switch after spending 14 years and winning 24 titles on the American-based circuit.

The American collected a signing on fee rumoured to be around £100 million, whilst also winning £30.7 million in on-course earnings after winning both the single and team title in LIV's maiden season.

Despite his PGA Tour suspension, the 38-year-old played a prominent role in the circuit's Netflix show 'Full Swing', both before and after his LIV Golf move. And after being faced with plenty of criticism in the wake of his switch, Johnson has since hit back.

After being asked during the Netflix series what he thought about those who doubted his Saudi switch, the 2020 Masters champion brutally responded: "I don't really care." Johnson faced more backlash than most for joining up with Greg Norman and co, no doubt due to the legacy he had built on the PGA Tour and across professional golf as a whole.

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Explaining the move though, he revealed the reasons behind it were simple - 'playing less and earning more money'. He commented: " I have had a wonderful career on the PGA Tour and I am very proud of it and always will be.

"Obviously now I have taken a different step in my life and career. The decision to join LIV came down to the offer they made me. For me it was playing less, making more money, pretty simple.” The 38-year-old is seemingly at peace with the decision he has made, and feels that it was the correct one.

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Dustin Johnson enjoyed a season of success after joining LIV Golf (Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Despite this, the American admitted the PGA Tour still has a place in his heart. He revealed "I love the PGA Tour and felt like I had a great PGA Tour career." With tensions still high between the two rivals tours, it remains unknown as to when - or if - they will settle the differences.

Johnson however is hoping this comes soon, calling on both the PGA Tour and LIV to 'co-exist nicely'. He added: "I am very thankful to have the opportunity, but now it's just a new day. It is not up to me, but hopefully one day we can co-exist nicely.”

Joshua Lees