Dustin Johnson faces challenges with partner in crisis after Patrick Reed’s departure.

The 2026 season of LIV Golf has already begun, but the 4Aces GC team, led by Dustin Johnson, is facing an unexpected challenge: Patrick Reed’s departure has left a difficult void to fill. The situation became even more critical when the organization found itself searching for a replacement, culminating in the signing of Anthony Kim, a player who has already made his return to high-level golf. What may initially seem like a smart move raises questions about the 4Aces GC’s true ability to remain competitive.

The confirmation of the new addition to the team came through Flushing It, which announced: “Anthony Kim has signed a one-season contract to replace Patrick Reed on Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces GC in the LIV Golf League, starting in Adelaide this week.” The anticipation surrounding Kim is palpable, with the source highlighting that “AK is playing the best golf of his comeback right now, re-qualifying for the league through the Promotion Event. This will be the first time he will be part of a team and, with his motivation levels so high, we hope he can maintain the progression he has shown in recent months.”

This will indeed be the first year that Kim will be a full-time member of a team since joining LIV Golf in 2024. Although he has only a one-year contract, the move represents a significant opportunity for the 40-year-old player, who made his season debut as a Wild Card player in Riyadh, finishing in 22nd place, tied with Joaquin Niemann. This position marked his best individual performance in LIV Golf to date, surpassing his previous record of T25 in Dallas in June 2025.

Meanwhile, Miguel Tabuena, who also competed for 4Aces GC, finished in 48th place, tied with Tyrrell Hatton and Bubba Watson, captain of the RangeGoats GC. In the individual standings, the temporary substitute is in the elimination zone at 49th place, raising questions about the depth of the team.

While Kim’s signing may seem like a positive step, many critics are questioning whether this is a sign of desperation on Johnson’s part. Doubts linger: has 4Aces GC run out of options before opting for Anthony Kim? Despite Kim’s impressive performance, which surpassed that of temporary player Tabuena, the choice of a player who was already within the LIV Golf system may be seen as a failure to attract more renowned talent.

Scott O’Neil, an executive at LIV Golf, mentioned that many professionals from the PGA Tour were interested in joining LIV Golf, which should facilitate the recruitment of new talent. However, Johnson’s difficulty in finding a prominent name to fill the vacancy left by Reed is a concerning sign for the team. One fan pointed out an interesting point on social media: “Great for AK, well deserved. But let’s be frank, this news also reveals that LIV has failed to find/convince a ‘name’ replacement for Reed, despite the OWGR points.”

It is important to note that LIV Golf has achieved OWGR status, but even so, the captain of 4Aces GC has not been able to attract a new name from outside his system. The lingering question is: was Anthony Kim really Johnson’s first choice, or was 4Aces GC left without viable options for the 2026 season? The answer to this question could determine the competitive future of the team as the season progresses and challenges intensify.