Why is Dustin Johnson Not on The Ryder Cup Team? Where is Dustin Johnson Now?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Sep 30, 2023
Why is Dustin Johnson Not on The Ryder Cup Team?
Dustin Johnson was not on The Ryder Cup Team for several reasons. Dustin Johnson had joined the LIV Golf Tour, a rival league to traditional professional golf tours like the PGA Tour and European Tour. This decision had consequences for his eligibility for the Ryder Cup. The Ryder Cup traditionally involves players from the PGA Tour and European Tour, and membership in these tours is often a requirement for eligibility.
LIV Golf Tour players, including Dustin Johnson, were not eligible to earn Ryder Cup points except for the four major championships. This limitation put them at a disadvantage compared to golfers competing in the PGA Tour, where Ryder Cup points are earned in various events throughout the year. As a result, Dustin Johnson's ranking in the Ryder Cup standings was lower than it might have been if he had been competing on the PGA Tour.
While the Ryder Cup teams include automatic qualifiers based on points earned during the qualification period, the captains also have the discretion to make "captain's picks" to round out the team. In Dustin Johnson's case, U.S. Team Captain Zach Johnson decided not to select him as one of the captain's picks, despite his success in previous Ryder Cup events and his impressive record.
Dustin Johnson's performance and ranking at the time of Ryder Cup selection might not have been as strong as some of the other American golfers who were chosen for the team. Captain Zach Johnson mentioned that he considered the top 20 to 25 players in the points system, and Dustin Johnson was ranked 40th in the US team rankings at the time of selection. This could have influenced the decision not to include him in the team.
The U.S. Team had several talented golfers to choose from, and making captain's picks can be a difficult decision. In addition to Dustin Johnson, other notable players like Bryson DeChambeau were not selected as captain's picks, leading to some controversy and debate over the choices made by Captain Zach Johnson.
Who is Dustin Johnson?
Dustin Johnson is an American professional golfer. He is known for his significant achievements in the world of golf. Johnson has won two major championships, including the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club and the 2020 Masters Tournament, where he set a record score of 268 with an impressive 20-under-par performance.
Throughout his career, he has consistently been a top competitor, with notable finishes such as tying for second place at both the 2011 Open Championship and the 2015 U.S. Open. Johnson has also secured victories in six World Golf Championships, a remarkable feat with only Tiger Woods achieving more wins in this category. He holds the distinction of being the first and only player to win each of the four World Golf Championship events.
Dustin Johnson's golfing career took an interesting turn in 2022 when he made the decision to join The LIV Golf League, marking his departure from the PGA Tour. Before this transition, he had been a member of the PGA Tour and had achieved a remarkable record, becoming the third player in PGA Tour history to win a Tour title in each of his first 13 seasons, a feat shared with legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
Known for his remarkable driving ability, Johnson consistently ranked in the top 10 for driving distance from 2008 to 2020 and even held the top spot in 2015. He also reached the pinnacle of the golfing world by becoming the world number one ranked golfer in February 2017 and held that position for a total of over 130 weeks, including consecutive weeks, making him one of the most dominant players in the sport during his era.
Name
Dustin Hunter Johnson
Nickname
DJ
Born
June 22, 1984
Born Place
Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
Age
39
Height
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight
190 lb (86 kg; 14 st)
Sporting Nationality
United States
Residence
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, U.S.
Spouse
Paulina Gretzky (married in 2022)
Children
2
College
Coastal Carolina University
Turned Professional
2007
Current Tour
LIV Golf
Former Tour
PGA Tour
Professional Wins
30
Highest Ranking
1 (February 19, 2017)
Dustin Johnson Career
Dustin Johnson's golf career has been marked by notable achievements, victories, and challenges, making him one of the most prominent figures in the world of professional golf.
Early Career
Continued Success and Challenges
Injury and Comeback
Continued Success
Major Triumphs
World Number One and More Titles
Continued Dominance
Masters Triumph and More
Transition to LIV Golf Tour
Continued Success on LIV Golf Tour
Dustin Johnson Early Life
Dustin Johnson's early life was marked by a strong connection to golf and a series of significant experiences that would shape his future in the sport. Dustin's journey in golf began at a young age. He displayed remarkable talent and dedication, earning a spot on the Irmo High School varsity golf team while still in the seventh grade. This early achievement was a testament to his natural abilities on the golf course.
At the age of fourteen, Dustin Johnson made headlines by setting records at Coldstream Country Club in Irmo and Golden Hills Golf & Country Club in Lexington. He accomplished this feat by shooting a pair of 64s on consecutive days, showcasing his remarkable skills as a young golfer. In the same year, he also secured victory in the state junior championship, further establishing his presence in the world of junior golf.
However, Dustin's family life underwent a significant change when his parents divorced in the late 1990s. Following the divorce, Dustin and his sister Laurie remained with their father, while his younger brother Austin moved in with their mother. This change led to a period of adjustment as Dustin and Laurie moved between their parents' households.
During his time at Dutch Fork High School, Dustin faced personal challenges. He began skipping school in his sophomore year and became involved with an older group, which ultimately led him into trouble. He participated in a burglary attempt and helped pawn the stolen items. As a result, he was arrested, although he was eventually released after making restitution.
Despite these early setbacks, Dustin Johnson realized the importance of education and dedication to his golfing ambitions. In his senior year, he recognized that in order to pursue his goal of playing on the PGA Tour, he needed to attend college first, as tradition dictated. He decided to redirect his efforts and worked diligently to improve both his academics and golf game.
Dustin Johnson's journey continued as he enrolled in Coastal Carolina University, majoring in Sports Management. Under the guidance of his coach, Allen Terrell, he not only practiced rigorously but also focused on his studies. His dedication and talent began to shine through, as he earned All-Big South honors, won prestigious tournaments like the Monroe Invitational and the Northeast Amateur, and represented his country on winning teams at the Walker Cup and Palmer Cup.
Dustin Johnson Wife
Dustin Johnson's wife is Paulina Gretzky. Paulina is not only known for her striking looks but is also a multi-talented individual, working as a model, singer, and celebutante. She is the daughter of Wayne Gretzky, a legendary Canadian ice hockey player, and Janet Jones. Dustin and Paulina's relationship began to take shape in 2009 when they first met.
However, they officially started dating in early 2013, and their connection deepened quickly. Just seven months after beginning their relationship, Dustin Johnson proposed to Paulina Gretzky, marking a significant milestone in their journey together. Their engagement was announced in August 2013, and it garnered considerable attention in both the sports and entertainment worlds due to their high-profile backgrounds.
The couple's relationship continued to evolve, and they eventually tied the knot on April 23, 2022. Their wedding took place at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, a picturesque and well-known venue for special occasions. Dustin Johnson and Paulina Gretzky's relationship has been a subject of public interest, and their union combines two families with strong ties to the world of sports and entertainment. Their marriage signifies a new chapter in their lives and cements their status as a prominent couple in the sports and entertainment spheres.
Dustin Johnson Children
Dustin Johnson and his wife, Paulina Gretzky, are the proud parents of two sons. Tatum Gretzky Johnsonwas born in 2015. He is the older of the two brothers and has been a source of joy for the couple. River Jones Johnson was born in 2017, making him the younger of the two siblings. His arrival added to the happiness of the family.
The couple's children, Tatum and River, are growing up in a household filled with sports and entertainment influences, given their parents' backgrounds. While they are still young, their parents' love and support are likely to shape their lives and interests as they grow older.
Dustin Johnson Net Worth
Dustin Johnson net worth is estimated at $100 Million. His primary source of income is professional golf. He earns a substantial income through various avenues related to his golfing career. Johnson competes in PGA Tour events, and his performance in these tournaments contributes significantly to his income. He earns prize money based on his performance in these events, and top finishes can lead to substantial winnings.
Like many professional athletes, Johnson has endorsement deals with various companies and brands. He serves as a brand ambassador for companies in the golf and sports industry, which provides him with additional income. Johnson's decision to join the LIV Golf Tour in 2022 introduced a new source of income. While it led to his ineligibility for PGA Tour events, the LIV Golf Tour offers substantial prize money and incentives to participating golfers.
Dustin Johnson Age
As of 2023, Dustin Johnson is indeed 39 years old, and his golfing career has been marked by remarkable achievements and success. Johnson's journey in professional golf has seen him rise to the pinnacle of the sport, earning him a place among the most accomplished golfers of his generation. His list of accomplishments includes multiple PGA Tour victories, major championship wins, time spent as the world's number one ranked golfer, and participation in prestigious international competitions like the Ryder Cup.
Throughout his career, Johnson has displayed exceptional talent, remarkable consistency, and a strong work ethic, all of which have contributed to his enduring success in professional golf. His achievements, both on and off the course, have solidified his status as a prominent figure in the world of sports.
Dustin Johnson Physical Attributes
Dustin Johnson stands tall with a height of 1.93 meters, which translates to approximately 6 feet and 4 inches. He possesses a strong and athletic build, with a weight of 86 kilograms (around 190 pounds). This combination of height and weight is advantageous in golf, particularly in terms of generating power and distance off the tee, which has contributed to his reputation as one of the longest hitters in the sport. Johnson's physical attributes, along with his exceptional skill and technique, have played a crucial role in his success as a professional golfer, allowing him to excel in various facets of the game.
Dustin Johnson Stats
Tour and Number of wins
PGA Tour
24 wins
European Tour
9 wins
LIV Golf
2 wins
Other
2 wins
Tour
Number of Wins
Major Championships and Its Results
Major Championships
Results
Masters Tournament
Won: 2020
PGA Championship
2nd/T2: 2019, 2020
U.S. Open
Won: 2016
The Open Championship
T2: 2011
Dustin Johnson Achievements
Dustin Johnson has amassed an impressive list of achievements throughout his golfing career. Here are some of his notable accomplishments:
PGA Tour Achievements
LIV Golf Invitational Series Achievements:
These achievements reflect Dustin Johnson's remarkable talent, consistency, and excellence in professional golf. His accolades in both the PGA Tour and the emerging LIV Golf Invitational Series underscore his status as one of the top golfers in the world.
Where is Dustin Johnson Now?
Dustin Johnson was competing in other golf tournaments, including events on the LIV Golf Tour, where he expressed his disappointment at not being part of the Ryder Cup team and believed he could have contributed to the U.S. team's efforts. Dustin Johnson was not selected to play in the Ryder Cup. He was not part of the Team USA roster for that particular golf event. Therefore, he was not playing in the Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf Club. Instead,
Why is Dustin Johnson Not on The Ryder Cup Team - FAQs
Dustin Johnson's membership in the LIV Golf Tour, limited eligibility for Ryder Cup points, and his ranking at the time of selection all played a role in his exclusion from the Ryder Cup Team.
Dustin Johnson was competing in other golf tournaments, including events on the LIV Golf Tour, where he expressed his disappointment at not being part of the Ryder Cup team and believed he could have contributed to the U.S. team's efforts.
Dustin Johnson's career highlight is winning the 2016 United States Open Championship, his first major championship victory.
Dustin Johnson turned professional in late 2007 and earned his PGA Tour card by finishing in a tie for 14th place at the 2007 qualifying school.
Yes, Dustin Johnson has been ranked as the world's number one golfer multiple times during his career, with extended stays at the top of the Official World Golf Ranking.