Dustin Johnson fails miserably at PIF Saudi International after new role

In Saudi Arabia, Dustin Johnson participated in the PIF Saudi International, marking his first tournament outside the LIV circuit since he joined the breakaway league in 2022. As a golfer with a successful history at this event, having won it twice previously, expectations were high for Johnson, especially following his recent announcement as an ambassador for Golf Saudi. However, his performance was disappointing, as he missed the cut by three shots, having registered a one-under-par 71 on the first day followed by a one-over-par 73 on the second day. His struggles were particularly notable on the par-four 16th hole, where he incurred a triple-bogey, ultimately sealing his fate in the tournament. This outcome not only affected Johnson's standing but also posed a setback for Golf Saudi, who were hopeful his presence would aid in promoting the sport within the country. Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, expressed disappointment over the missed cut and emphasized the importance of Johnson's involvement in their goals to expand the game in Saudi Arabia. Alireza underscored the potential for collaboration with Johnson to shape the future of golf and foster local talent. Johnson's performance in the event came amid a lackluster season with LIV Golf, where he finished 14th individually, securing only one victory. Reflecting on these past months, he described his performance as 'mediocre at best,' indicating aspirations for improvement as he approaches the next season. The juxtaposition of his ambassadorial role with his recent performance may prompt discussions about the challenges professional athletes face in balancing representation, personal performance, and the expectations of their affiliations.