Sky Sports analyst Iona Stephen experienced embarrassment after mistakenly referring to Dustin Johnson as Justin Dohnson during a live TV interview. Johnson, then on the brink of becoming the world’s top-ranked golfer, had just triumphed at the inaugural Saudi International tournament held at the Al Murooj Golf Course.
This event marked the first time a European Tour competition took place in Saudi Arabia and was co-sanctioned by both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Stephen, feeling pressured to mention the tournament name correctly in her interview, got flustered, leading to the slip-up with Johnson’s name.
In a conversation with Peter Finch on the Rough Cut Golf Podcast, Stephen recounted the incident, expressing her regret for the mix-up. Despite the mishap, she highlighted the significance of the Saudi International as one of the early co-sanctioned events globally.
Johnson, a prominent figure in golf, participated in the tournament, finishing T23 with a score of six under-par. He later joined the controversial LIV Golf breakaway league in 2022 and currently captains the 4Aces team alongside Thomas Pieters, Harold Varner III, and Patrick Reed.
Since transitioning to LIV, Johnson has achieved notable success, winning an event each year and earning substantial prize money. He stands as the second-highest earner in the league, with total winnings amounting to £44,417,051, including a substantial payout for being crowned the 2022 Individual Champion.
Several other golf stars, such as Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia, and Phil Mickelson, followed suit in joining LIV, competing for substantial cash rewards. The league’s calendar includes upcoming events at Bolingbrook Golf Club, Chatham Hills, and a Team Championship in Michigan, offering exciting opportunities for golf enthusiasts and players alike.
