Is a golfer’s competitive spirit sufficiently extinguished by the promise of a $100 million contract? Dustin Johnson, who was once a strong force in the golf world, sits at the bottom of the scoreboard at the LIV Golf Hong Kong event, raising serious questions about this. The story of Dustin Johnson’s recent rise has been one of the most captivating in the world of professional golf. Following a successful career, Johnson made news in late 2024 when he decided to end his contract with LIV Golf, leaving fans and pundits wondering what would happen to him next. The 2020 Masters was his most recent major triumph, and he has struggled to regain his winning form ever since.

However, Johnson is currently ranked last out of the 54 players in the field after two rounds at the LIV Golf Hong Kong event, sitting at +7. Many people were anxious to see if Johnson could regain his dominance; therefore, this event was warmly followed. But his performance didn’t live up to the hype, which was indicative of the difficulties he’s been having lately. Now, analysts and fans alike are starting to wonder if DJ has lost his appeal. So, let’s check out what has transpired!

An analysis of Dustin Johnson’s performance in LIV Golf

Discussions over the impact of LIV Golf’s structure on player performance have been triggered by Dustin Johnson’s recent difficulties. Johnson’s performance has significantly deteriorated since he joined the league in 2022. He had a fantastic start with a 5-under round in the 2025 season opener in Riyadh, but he struggled in later rounds and finished T44. Johnson finished at T31 in the subsequent Adelaide event, which followed a similar pattern. He is currently at the bottom of the rankings in Hong Kong, which has increased scrutiny.

Critics contend that LIV Golf’s upfront payouts and fixed contracts may demotivate players. Despite its financial benefits, Johnson’s $100 million agreement might be causing him to lack the motivation to compete. The league’s structure, which consists of no cuts and shorter events, may also contribute to lessening the conventional incentives that motivate brilliance. Johnson’s persistent poor performance raises concerns about whether the LIV Golf model encourages complacency among its best players.

Additionally, Johnson’s equipment modifications have drawn attention. Ahead of the Hong Kong tournament, he was recently seen testing a new putter after an 18-year relationship with TaylorMade ended in 2024. A player’s performance may be impacted by such big shifts, particularly when paired with other elements like league framework and motivation. Fans have expressed their concerns on social media, accusing LIV Golf of being to blame for Johnson’s slide as his problems continue.

Fans’ reactions and reviews about LIV Golf

Johnson’s fall has not gone unnoticed by the golf community. Fans have vented their frustrations on social media, frequently criticizing LIV Golf’s organizational design. “Hard to wake up hungry in your mansion,” a fan wrote, implying that a player’s spirit of competition might be tempered by extreme affluence. “Took the money and lost interest in the game,” said another fan, suggesting that Johnson’s enthusiasm has diminished since landing his big contract. This opinion is shared by those who think that players become less motivated as a result of the financial stability offered by LIV Golf.

Some critics have been using the term “Product of LIV” to attribute players’ deteriorating results to the league’s design. Competitiveness may suffer as a result of a more laid-back attitude brought on by the lack of conventional tournament constraints like cuts and longer formats. The absence of pressure at LIV Golf events has also been brought up by several fans. One fan comment read, “Yes. Nothing to play for. Cash in hand already. Real events with no pressure,” implying that the motivation to succeed is eliminated by the pre-secured earnings. 

Last but not least, the idea of upfront compensation has drawn criticism for reducing effort. “Lack of effort when you are paid millions upfront. Fallout from LIV golf is a terrible idea,” a fan wrote, emphasizing worries that a guaranteed income could result in less dedication on the course. Discussions regarding the wider effects of LIV Golf’s approach on player motivation and competitiveness have been sparked by Dustin Johnson’s recent performances. Although monetary rewards are significant, they could unintentionally cause complacency and lower the standard of play.

It would be interesting to observe how Johnson and his peers respond to these difficulties and whether LIV Golf will resolve these issues to preserve the credibility and enthusiasm of the sport as golfers watch and fans vent their emotions.