After making his season debut without a TaylorMade hat, the company confirmed to GOLF.com its sponsorship of Dustin Johnson has ended. One of the longest-standing gear sponsorships in professional golf has come to an end. As first reported by Golf Magic and confirmed by GOLF.com, TaylorMade Golf ended its 18-year equipment sponsorship with former World No. 1 Dustin Johnson at the end of 2024, when the contract expired. Johnson first signed with TaylorMade when he turned professional in 2007 and had been a staple of the company’s tour staff since, winning 24 PGA Tour titles and two major championships using the brand’s gear. The 40-year-old has spent 135 weeks atop the Official World Golf Ranking in his career, the third most of all time behind Greg Norman and Tiger Woods. The partnership had been extended twice, first in 2016, just before Johnson won his first major title at the U.S. Open, and then again in 2021 after he won the 2020 Masters.
Johnson continued to play TaylorMade clubs and wear TaylorMade headwear when he signed with LIV Golf in 2022, although he was noticeably absent from marketing campaigns and the TaylorMade website. Johnson has won three LIV Golf events, one in each season, since joining the league, but LIV Golf events are not recognized by the OWGR and as a result, Johnson’s ranking has plummeted to 578th in the world. His last worldwide top-10 came at the 2023 U.S. Open and he missed two cuts in the four majors last season and didn’t fare better than a T31 at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush. When Johnson made his season debut last week at LIV Golf Riyadh, despite gaming a new TaylorMade Qi35 driver, Johnson’s hat only showed his team’s 4Aces and New Era logos. Before last season, Johnson ended a 15-year working relationship with Adidas and later that year announced his 4Aces team would be sponsored by the apparel brand Extracurricular. Johnson signed with Adidas when he turned pro as well, back when the company owned TaylorMade. Playing as a gear free agent, Johnson opened with a 67 under the lights in the opening round at LIV Riyadh but faded over the final two rounds with a 73 and 74 to finish T44.
As a top professional golfer, Dustin Johnson’s equipment sponsorship ending with TaylorMade is significant news in the golf world. Johnson has been a prominent figure in the sport for many years, winning numerous titles and major championships while using TaylorMade gear. The decision to end the partnership marks the end of an era in golf. Johnson’s success with TaylorMade clubs and equipment has been remarkable, making this sponsorship ending a major development in the golf equipment industry.
The longevity of Johnson’s sponsorship with TaylorMade, spanning 18 years, highlights the strong bond between the player and the brand. Johnson’s achievements on the PGA Tour and in major championships while using TaylorMade equipment have solidified his reputation as one of the top golfers in the world. The partnership extension in 2016 and 2021 further showcased the mutual trust and success between Johnson and TaylorMade. However, with Johnson’s transition to LIV Golf and the subsequent decline in his world ranking, the decision to end the sponsorship may have been influenced by various factors.
Johnson’s move to LIV Golf and his performance in recent seasons may have impacted TaylorMade’s decision to end the sponsorship. Despite Johnson’s success in LIV Golf events, the lack of recognition from the OWGR and his decline in ranking could have led to a reevaluation of the partnership by both parties. Additionally, Johnson’s alignment with other brands such as Extracurricular and New Era may have contributed to the termination of the TaylorMade sponsorship. The changing landscape of professional golf and player endorsements may have also played a role in the decision.
As Johnson enters a new phase in his career as a gear free agent, the golf industry will be watching closely to see how this development influences his performance and equipment choices. Johnson’s switch to a new TaylorMade driver at LIV Golf Riyadh signals the beginning of a new chapter in his equipment selection. With his longstanding association with TaylorMade coming to an end, Johnson now has the opportunity to explore different gear options and partnerships in the competitive golf equipment market. The future of Johnson’s equipment choices and sponsorships will undoubtedly be of interest to fans and industry insiders alike.
In conclusion, Dustin Johnson’s equipment sponsorship ending with TaylorMade marks a significant shift in the golf equipment landscape. The conclusion of an 18-year partnership between Johnson and TaylorMade signifies a new chapter for both parties. Johnson’s success with TaylorMade gear has been well-documented, and his transition to a gear free agent opens up exciting possibilities for his equipment choices moving forward. As one of the top golfers in the world, Johnson’s decisions regarding equipment and sponsorships will continue to be closely monitored by fans and industry experts. The impact of this sponsorship ending on both Johnson and TaylorMade remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly represents a significant moment in professional golf.
