Dustin Johnson might look differently the next time you see him on the golf course. The former World No. 1 and two-time major-winner is no longer sponsored by Adidas, ending a relationship that spanned 15 years.
Johnson was the first marquee name to sign with LIV Golf last summer. According to ESPN, which cited a source, Johnson is ending the relationship to focus on building his 4Aces brand. The source told ESPN it was an “amicable” separation.
“We’ve mutually agreed to part ways with long-time Adidas athlete Dustin Johnson,” Adidas Golf president Jeff Lienhart said in a statement to ESPN. “For more than 15 years, Dustin has been a great ambassador for the Adidas brand. We’ve had a front-row seat to see him win multiple major championships, ascend to the No. 1 ranking and cement himself as one of the best golfers in history — all while wearing the 3-Stripes. We wish Dustin nothing but success moving forward.”
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Johnson won one individual LIV event last year but also captained the 4Aces to a team title, pocketing about $35 million in purses and bonuses. He’s also an equity owner of his team, so building and expanding the 4Aces brand would benefit Johnson as well.
In October, LIV Golf executives met with media members to discuss plans for its future, and among the topics was the path forward for teams. There’s room for teams to create, and increase, their own value.
“DJ needed a clean break to start his team,” the source told ESPN. “He’s grateful to Adidas for letting him out of the deal.”
ESPN reports Johnson’s relationship with TaylorMade remains unchanged.
An Adidas spokesperson also confirmed to ESPN that Adidas chose not to renew its lengthy relationship with Sergio Garcia. Garcia, the former Masters champion, also left for LIV Golf and is the captain of the league’s Fireballs team.
Xander Schauffele (6th) and Collin Morikawa (10th) are the top-ranked men’s golfers sponsored by Adidas Golf.
LIV Golf begins its second season this week at Mayakoba.