How LIV Golf’s top paid players have all performed since John Daly backed their decision to leave the PGA Tour

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John Daly has never been shy of an opinion and when it came to the PGA Tour stars who left for big money on LIV Golf, he was one who backed them.

Daly has always been about living his life to the full and making the best of what he has. Over the years, we’ve seen countless stories of his off-course antics, as well as his brilliance on the course.

Ultimately, the object in golf is not only to win big tournaments but also to make money.

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Just like any sport or any profession for that matter, ‘chasing the bag’ is often what drives people to succeed further.

Indeed, amid a backdrop of criticism when LIV Golf initially pinched big names like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka, Daly was one of few who backed the moves.

What John Daly said about LIV Golf’s contracts

Given he’s won two majors, John Daly is in a good position to cast his opinion on most things when it comes to golf.

Indeed, speaking on the Like a Farmer podcast earlier this year, Daly spoke of the LIV contracts on offer and admitted it was a no-brainer.

“So if you win a major now, I think it’s like three million buck. I hate the fact that people have judgement on our guys going to LIV Golf. You’re born, you live and you die. If someone offers me a $150m, that’s taking care of my family,” Daly said.

“That’s what you’re born for, to make money, have a family and take care of them. I’m not saying the PGA Tour don’t do that, they do, but not on a one-time basis to only play 14 events.

“$150m to play the LIV tour for four years on these contracts. I’d have to do it.”

Of course, those players who took the big money from LIV have had mixed fortunes since moving to the Saudi-backed tour.

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How LIV Golf’s highest earners have performed since signing

Of the initial intake of golfers, it was Phil Mickelson who landed the biggest payday, scooping a cool $200m for just making the switch.

Others, like Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau all landed deals worth north of £120m as well.

However, the fortunes of these players on LIV have been mixed to say the least. While DeChambeau has won a US Open and enjoyed success on LIV as well, the same can’t be said for the rest.

Mickelson has yet to win on the LIV circuit, while he’s continued to struggle in majors.

Dustin Johnson actually started life on LIV well, winning the first ever individual season championship.

However, he has dipped ever since, dropping to 5th, 14th and then for 2025, finishing 14th again.

Brooks Koepka is another who has had a mixed time of things on LIV. Last season he finished in the ‘open zone’ but Koepka has also been vocal in hinting he’s not completely happy on LIV.

Still, Koepka can class his time on LIV as a success, having won five events overall and also being the first LIV player to win a major while being active on the tour after landing the 2023 PGA Championship.

Of course, the man to eclipse all those big names in terms of contract money is Jon Rahm. At around the $300m, Rahm was a huge outlay for LIV but his success is undeniable.

Indeed, having won two individual titles in two years, he goes into the Ryder Cup with Team Europe as one of the key players.