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via Reuters

via Reuters

The upcoming Saudi International is set to host many golfers from LIV Golf. However, the much-anticipated event won’t have the former world number one and the winner of the lucrative Tour’s inaugural season, Dustin Johnson. The golfer who was headlined for the tournament announced his withdrawal a day before the players stepped on the field.

Johnson impressed the golf world last year with his astonishing results on the Saudi-funded Tour. The 38-year-old earned $35 million from the new Tour just through his on-course performances. He looked to continue his top-notch form in 2023, but it was stopped in its tracks by a back injury.

Dustin Johnson out of Saudi International

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Though the upcoming event in Jeddah is part of the Asian Tour, all of the 48 LIV Golf defectors were seeking to compete at the tournament. Nonetheless, earlier today, DJ announced his withdrawal from the event due to a back injury.

The two-time Major winner won the Saudi International in 2019 and 2021. He was hoping to win for the third time at the Royal Greens while also earning some OWGR points, but a long-standing troubled back came back to haunt the golfer. With Johnson out, the Asian Tour event will go ahead with 47 LIV Golf players.

Read More: ‘Well Done’: Jordan Spieth’s Heartfelt Message for LIV Golfer Dustin Johnson Gets Overwhelming Approval From the Golf World

Dustin Johnson was widely considered a favorite to win the $5 million prize money and bag home the 26 OWGR points. But with him being injured, the win is up for grabs. The severity of the injury is still unknown. LIV Golf’s second season will commence in Mexico’s El Camaleon Golf Club in Mayakoba on February 24 onwards.

Whether the former world number one will be fit in time to defend his LIV Golf title is unclear. Nonetheless, as the news of DJ missing the upcoming Saudi event made headlines, golf fans shared their reactions on Twitter. Since he withdrew from the tournament, some speculated his return to the PGA Tour while others claimed he missed an opportunity to earn some valuable OWGR points.

Golf fans react to Dustin Johnson’s withdrawal

Let’s take a look at what the golf world had to say:

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Though Johnson may be out of Saudi International, his absence will surely be missed. Let’s hope he recovers before the commencement of LIV Golf’s second season. Share your thoughts on DJ’s sad news in the comments section below.

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