After an 18-year partnership that began when he turned professional in 2007, two-time major golf champion and LIV golfer Dustin Johnson and equipment manufacturer TaylorMade have parted ways. This split marked the end of a collaboration that saw Johnson rise to the top of the golfing world. He secured 24 PGA Tour victories, including the 2016 U.S. Open and the 2020 Masters.
Johnson’s association with TaylorMade commenced immediately after his professional debut, with contract extensions in 2016 and 2021. Throughout his career, he was a prominent figure in TaylorMade’s marketing campaigns. Often seen wielding their latest drivers and golf equipment. However, during the recent LIV Golf season opener in Riyadh, Johnson was observed without the TaylorMade logo on his visor. Instead he was donning the emblem of his 4Aces LIV franchise.
This development raises questions about the evolving dynamics between professional golfers and equipment manufacturers. Especially in the context of emerging tours like LIV Golf. With Johnson now an equipment free agent, the industry will keenly observe his next move. Maybe he’ll align with a new brand, a new golf collaboration or opts for independence in his equipment choices.
The conclusion of this long-standing partnership signifies a shift in LIV golfer Dustin Johnson’s professional journey. Also, it reflects broader changes in the golf industry’s endorsement landscape. As players explore new opportunities and tours, traditional alliances between athletes and equipment brands may continue to evolve. This may be a new era in professional golf.
Niall Ashworth is VPAR’s Business Development Manager.
A golf industry stalwart, Niall has spent the majority of his career helping Corporates and Charities take their guests Golf Day experience to the next level having run 1,000+ events in countries around the World.
Niall attended Nottingham Trent University, where he studied Business and Sport, before working at the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
He spends any free time he has on the fairways of Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey trying to maintain his 6.1 Handicap Index! His three favourite Golf Courses are Clearwater Bay in Hong Kong, Torrey Pines in San Diego and Trump International in Scotland. With special mentions to Sentosa and Kingsbarns!
He uses a Taylormade M4 Driver & Fairway Woods, Titleist T100 irons, Titleist Vokey Wedges and a Bettinardi Arm-Lock putter with a Left Dash ProV1 Golf Ball (not that it matters!)
If you have any feature requests or golf news that you’d like Niall to review please contact him @vpargolf across socials!