Dustin Johnson vs Brooks Koepka
Power Golfers — 2 vs 5 Majors — Both LIV Golf
Quick Stats Comparison
| Statistic | Dustin Johnson | Brooks Koepka |
|---|---|---|
| Total Major Wins | 2 | 5 |
| US Open Wins | 1 (2016) | 2 (2017, 2018) |
| PGA Championship Wins | 0 | 3 (2018, 2019, 2023) |
| Masters Wins | 1 (2020) | 0 |
| 4 Majors in 3 Years | No | Yes (2017-2019) |
| World #1 | Yes (more weeks) | Yes |
| Joined LIV Golf | 2022 (first star) | 2022 |
| Playing Style | Effortless power, long-game dominant | Major championship specialist, clutch |
Major Championships Breakdown
Dustin Johnson (2)
Brooks Koepka (5)
Career Timeline
- 2016: DJ wins US Open at Oakmont — finally fulfills his enormous potential after years of near-misses
- 2017: Brooks Koepka wins his first US Open at Erin Hills — enters the major winner's circle
- 2017-2019: Brooks's historic run — 4 majors in 3 years, including back-to-back US Opens AND back-to-back PGA Championships
- 2020: DJ dominates the Masters by 5 strokes at Augusta; best score in Masters history (-20)
- 2021: DJ becomes world #1 again briefly; Brooks struggles with injuries
- 2022: Both join LIV Golf — DJ as first marquee signing, Brooks shortly after
- 2023: Brooks wins PGA Championship at Oak Hill — his 5th major while on LIV, silencing critics who said LIV players couldn't win majors
- Post-2023: Both remain LIV team captains; major eligibility has changed LIV landscape
Analysis
Brooks's Edge
- 5 vs 2 majors — Brooks has more than double DJ's major wins
- 4 majors in 3 years (2017-2019) — one of the most concentrated major bursts in history
- Back-to-back US Opens AND back-to-back PGAs — phenomenal major consistency
- 2023 PGA win on LIV — proved he can still win majors even after defecting
- "Major championship mode" — raises his game specifically for major week
DJ's Edge
- More weeks at world #1 — DJ spent more total time as world's best player
- 2020 Masters was historically dominant — -20, 5 strokes clear, a record
- Longer prime at the top — consistently elite across a longer window
- One of the longest hitters in history — physically gifted in a way Brooks is not
- 2016 US Open catharsis — won after years of controversial near-misses and off-course issues
Verdict
Brooks wins the major championship comparison handily — 5 vs 2 is not close. His 2017-2019 run of 4 majors in 3 years was elite by any historical standard.
But DJ was arguably the more complete golfer across a longer period. His 2020 Masters (-20) is one of the most dominant major victories ever. Both chose LIV and both will be Hall of Famers — Brooks likely on the strength of his major haul, DJ on sheer longevity and ranking dominance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can LIV Golf players compete in majors?
Yes — as of 2026, LIV Golf players including DJ and Brooks remain eligible for all four major championships (Masters, US Open, The Open, PGA Championship), though the mechanisms for exemptions have evolved. Brooks Koepka's 2023 PGA Championship win on LIV confirmed this eligibility in dramatic fashion.
What was DJ's first major win?
Dustin Johnson won his first major at the 2016 US Open at Oakmont Country Club. It was a relief for DJ who had endured controversial ruling incidents and near-misses in previous majors, including a controversial sand penalty at the 2010 US Open.
How did Brooks win 4 majors in 3 years?
Brooks Koepka won the 2017 US Open, 2018 US Open, 2018 PGA Championship, and 2019 PGA Championship. This back-to-back combination at two different majors is unprecedented in the modern era. Brooks thrives in the mentally grinding conditions that US Open and PGA setups typically create.