Dustin Johnson “excited” for LIV Series

Dustin Johnson revealed he is “excited” for the controversial LIV Series and insisted it could be “good for golf”.

The Saudi-backed rebel circuit is due to begin at Centurion Club in St Albans next month against a backdrop of uncertainty over who will be in the field.

Both the PGA and DP World tours have refused players permission to play in the breakaway tour amid fears it could do long-term damage to golf’s “ecosystem”.

• LIV-bound Bland: “If I get banned I get banned”

• PGA Championship 2022: First round tee times

However, former world No.1 Johnson disagrees and claimed there are potential benefits to the new league.

“I think golf is in a good spot and I think what they’re doing could potentially be good for the game of golf, so I’m excited to see what happens here in a few weeks,” he said.

Asked what he meant, the two-time major winner replied: “I’ll be watching.”

Johnson is one of the players who was previously thought to be closest to making the switch to the LIV Series earlier this year prior to the biggest names distancing themselves from the venture.

• Tiger Woods breaks silence on Phil Mickelson

• Rory McIlroy reveals sympathy for Greg Norman

He, among others, is believed to have been offered a vast sum to take part – but committed to the PGA Tour after comments attributed to Phil Mickelson regarding the Saudi government emerged.

Richard Bland is so far the only pro to have confirmed he will play without permission, risking a ban from both tours in the process.