Johnson splits with long-term sponsor as LIV star sees 17-year relationship end
Dustin Johnson got his 2025 LIV Golf season underway at Riyadh Golf Club last week, but did some without one of his key sponsors after splitting with Taylormade
Dustin Johnson got his 2025 LIV Golf season underway at Riyadh Golf Club last week, but did some without one of his key sponsors after splitting with TaylormadeDustin Johnson has split with Taylormade (
Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Dustin Johnson's 17-year relationship with Taylormade has come to an end, after the former Masters champion's split was confirmed by the manufacturer following his first tournament of 2025.
The connection between Johnson and Taylormade dates back to his early days as a young professional, first coming together back in 2007 Now, after nearly two decades, the LIV Golf star has parted ways with one of the industry's top club makers.
Following the beginning of his LIV season at Riyadh Golf Club last week, a representative from Taylormade confirmed to Golf Magic: "Yes, we no longer have rights to Dustin Johnson."
While Taylormade boasts a portfolio of some of the biggest names in golf such as Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Collin Morikawa, Johnson's name no longer sits on the player list, despite appearing to use their latest Qi35 driver at the Riyadh event.
At the opening LIV event, keen-eyed fans will have seen that that Johnson had ditched his usual Taylormade hat for one sporting his 4Aces team logo. Although he has worn a 4Aces polo throughout his time with LIV, Johnson traditionally wore a Taylormade cap as part of their agreement.
The headwear change however in the Middle East last week in what proved to be a tell to his split with Taylormade. On the golf course, Johnson had a lacklustre start to the 2025 campaign, ending the week tied for 44th place after finishing at two-under-par across 54 holes.
Dustin Johnson spent 17 years with Taylormade (
Image:
Getty Images)
The week started off well for the former LIV champion, shooting a five-unde 67 in the first round. His form dipped however over the final 36 holes, leaving him 15 shots behind Adrian Meronk, who celebrated his first win on the Saudi-funded circuit on Saturday.
Johnson, who made burst onto the scene pn the LIV setup by clinching the season-long double in his debut season in 2022, has seen a slight fall in form in the years that have followed. For 2025 though, the 4Aces captain has warned his rivals that he is looking to bounce back.
Speaking to Bunkered, he said: "First year out here on LIV I played very well. I played okay the last couple 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."