LIV Golf's Dustin Johnson FORCED OUT of Saudi International
Dustin Johnson has been forced to withdraw from the LIV Golf-backed Saudi International.
LIV Golf's Dustin Johnson has been forced to withdraw from this week's PIF Saudi International on the Asian Tour after "tweaking his back", according to reports.
Johnson, 38, is a two-time winner of the Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.
Dustin Johnson has WDed ahead of the first round of the Saudi International after ‘tweaking his back’
— Jamie Weir (@jamiecweir) February 2, 2023
DJ has endured a history of back injuries, most notably when having to WD from The Masters in 2017 when taking a tumble down a flight of stairs.
His wife Paulina Gretzky recently spoke about that unfortunate moment.
The former World No.1, who is now ranked outside the top 40 in the world, has not played in a competitive tournament since captaining his 4 Aces Team to victory in LIV Golf's season-ending Team Championship in Miami in October.
DJ has certainly been partying hard during the off-season though, especially with Paulina, who recently showed off their custom-built bar in a mini cocktail dress.
Paulina also showed off some unseen snaps from their recent wedding.
Johnson incredibly tore up his PGA Tour membership last year in favour of a big-money move to the Saudi-bankrolled circuit.
That means he is now ineligible to compete in the Ryder Cup any more.
DJ did say he "regretted" his decsion", though.
Jordan Spieth yesterday revealed why he misses Johnson so much on the PGA Tour.
The Saudi International used to be run by the European Tour, now known as the DP World Tour, but it is now under the control of the Asian Tour while being heavily backed by LIV Golf.
As a result, this week's tournament in Saudi Arabia sees just about every LIV Golf player competing in the field including Cameron Smith, Patrick Reed, Joaquin Niemann, Sergio Garcia, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and a slimmer, rejuvenated Phil Mickelson.
LIV Golf's Harold Varner III is the defending champion.
Mexico's Abraham Ancer raced out the blocks on day one to take an early lead with a 7-under 63, while Garcia shot a round of 65.
PGA Tour star Cameron Young was given a release by the circuit to compete in the tournament, and he's made good use of it so far with an opening 65.
Sebastian Munoz, who is the latest signing for LIV Golf from the PGA Tour, also raced out the gates with a 64.
The new LIV Golf League for 2023 will start in two weeks in Mexico.
Johnson will once again captain the 4 Aces, but he has reshuffled his pack heading into the new season.
Here's a look at the full 2023 LIV Golf League schedule, with seven different countries represented across 14 tournaments.
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