Dustin Johnson joins inaugural LIV Golf Tournament; Phil Mickelson excluded from 42-man list

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The Saudi-backed Inaugural LIV Golf Tournament unveiled its list of 42 participants on Tuesday — set to compete at the upcoming event in London.

Along those names appeared, to the surprise of many, two-time major champion Dustin Johnson. Johnson was expected to forgo the LIV tourney after comments made at the PGA Championship, hinting that he’ll skip the event.

Tiger Woods helps Masters' champion Dustin Johnson with his green jacket after his victory at the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Ga., in this Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, file photo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Tuesday’s announcement proved he had different plans.

"I think golf is in a good spot, and I think what they’re doing … could potentially be good for the game of golf. I’m excited to see what happens here in a few weeks," Johnson said at the Championship, adding that he’ll be watching from home.

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Johnson’s agent issued a response, via New York Post’s Brian Wacker.

"Dustin has been contemplating the opportunity off-and-on for the past couple of years. Ultimately, he decided it was in his and his family’s best interest to pursue it," the statement read. "Dustin has never had any issue with the PGA TOUR and is grateful for all it has given him, but in the end, felt this was too compelling to pass up."

Dustin Johnson reacts to a missed put on the fourth green during the third round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament at TPC River Highlands, Saturday, June 26, 2021. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Flaunting a $25 million purse, the inaugural 54-hole golfing spectacle drew in 16 of the world’s