Dustin Johnson’s LIV Win Propels Prize Money to Nearly $10 Million

Dustin Johnson of the the United States hits his tee shot on the 16th hole during the final round of the LIV Golf Invitational—Boston at The Oaks golf course at The International in Bolton, Mass., on Sept. 4, 2022. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Dustin Johnson, former World No. 1 ranked and two-time major winner, rammed home a 55-foot eagle putt in a three-way playoff for his maiden win on the new LIV Golf Series in Boston on Sept. 4.

Johnson’s victory purse of $4 million takes his individual earnings half-way through the LIV Golf inaugural season to $7.7 million, and nearly $10 million total from three straight team victories in four events.

“It’s a great victory. Obviously we’ve got a great field, a lot of great players. Yeah, it’s up there for sure.” said Johnson.

Talor Gooch, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed and Pat Perez pose with the Team winner's trophy during Day Three of the LIV Golf Invitational - Boston at The Oaks golf course at The International in Bolton, Mass., on Sept. 4, 2022. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Besides Johnson’s victory in the first playoff of LIV Golf, Matthew Wolff hit the first hole in one in LIV Golf history during the opening round.

Wolff stated that it was his eighth hole in one, but “the most special one” as his adoring fans howl in support following every shot.

As the league that promotes itself “Golf, But Louder,” another first that commissioner Greg Norman introduced to LIV is allowing players to wear shorts.

It’s the first men’s professional league to do so, as Norman confirmed following a “survey” by the players with “significant” approval.

“LIV is the future of golf, and we want to make the players as comfortable as possible,” said Norman.

Overall, 24 players have received over $1 million in individual earnings through the first four events.

Other players joining Johnson with at least $4 million in winnings are South Africans Branden Grace with $6 million, Charl Schwartzel with $4.5 million, and Henrik Stenson of Sweden with $4 million.

As the first major star of LIV Golf, Johnson’s signing bonus was reported to be $125 million.

Johnson’s PGA Tour earnings totaled nearly $75 million from 307 events beginning in 2007.

The 38-year-old Johnson was born in Columbia, South Carolina, and played college golf at Coastal Carolina University.  His amateur career wins include the Monroe Invitational and the Northeast Amateur in 2007; as well as winning with the 2007 Walker Cup and Palmer Cup Teams.

Before joining LIV Golf, Johnson became the third player in PGA history to win in each of his first 13 seasons—alongside Jack Nicklaus with 17, and Tiger Woods with 14.

Johnson led the PGA in driving distance in 2015, and had been ranked in the “Top 10” annually in from 2008 to 2020.

In Feb. 2017, Johnson was elevated to World No. 1, and held the top spot for 64 consecutive weeks—the fifth longest run in history—and then retained the No. 1 position again in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 for a total of over 130 weeks.

Johnson is married to Paulina Gretzky, daughter of hockey great Wayne Gretzky, and resides in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with their two young sons, Tatum Gretzky Johnson and River Jones Johnson.

Dustin Johnson of the the United States kisses his wife Paulina after winning the LIV Golf Invitational - Boston at The Oaks golf course at The International in Bolton, Mass., on Sept. 4, 2022. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

His brother Austin Johnson remains as his caddie with LIV and carried Johnson’s bag during his 2020 Masters win.

The next event for LIV is next weekend, Sept. 16–18,  at the LIV Golf Invitational Chicago at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill.