Kim Declines LIV Golf Offer, Commits to PGA Tour Future

In a significant decision for professional golf, PGA Tour veteran Si Woo Kim has confirmed turning down an offer from LIV Golf to join the Saudi-backed league in 2026. The four-time PGA Tour winner will instead continue his career on the PGA Tour, where he has competed for the past 12 seasons. Speaking through representatives to South Korean media outlet Maeil Business Newspaper, Kim’s team acknowledged the offer but firmly stated his intention to remain with the PGA Tour. “It is true that Si Woo Kim, like many Korean players, has been offered a recruitment. However, Si Woo Kim finally expressed his intention to refuse and decided to remain on the PGA Tour,” his team confirmed, putting an end to swirling speculation about his potential departure.

The rumors gained traction when golf news outlet Flushing It reported Kim was in “late-stage negotiations” to join LIV Golf’s Iron Heads GC franchise. According to their sources, the deal was approaching completion and would have involved significant changes to the team’s structure, including stripping Kevin Na of his captaincy. The report suggested Kim would take equity in the rebranded “Becko East GC” and was even seeking to bring in his own players, with only Danny Lee’s position reportedly secure for the 2026 season. As one of South Korea’s most accomplished golfers, Kim’s credentials made him an attractive target – his 2017 Players Championship victory at age 21 made history, and his four PGA Tour wins and Presidents Cup appearances would have made him one of LIV’s most accomplished signings to date.

Kim’s decision carries particular significance given LIV Golf’s strategic expansion into Asian markets, especially South Korea. The league is scheduled to host its first South Korean event in 2025 at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, part of a broader partnership with local streaming giant Coupang Play. South Korea represents a prime target for golf expansion with its robust infrastructure of more than 500 courses and passionate golf audience. Landing a homegrown star like Kim would have provided LIV with a valuable cornerstone for building its presence in the region, potentially attracting both local fans and sponsors to support their ambitious growth plans. His rejection of what was likely a substantial financial offer speaks volumes about the complex decisions players face in the current divided landscape of professional golf.

At just 29 years old, Kim has established himself as one of South Korea’s most successful male golfers. His breakthrough Players Championship victory in 2017 made him the youngest winner in the tournament’s history, and he has followed that with three additional PGA Tour wins, solidifying his reputation as a consistent performer at golf’s highest level. Kim’s decision to remain with the PGA Tour suggests he values the established prestige and competitive opportunities it offers over the financial incentives of the rival league. For the PGA Tour, retaining a player of Kim’s caliber represents a significant victory in their ongoing battle to maintain their position as golf’s premier competitive circuit amid LIV’s aggressive recruitment efforts targeting established stars.

The speculation around Korean players potentially joining LIV didn’t stop with Kim. Reports also hinted that another prominent South Korean PGA Tour player was considering a move, leading to rumors about two-time winner Sungjae Im. However, Im quickly addressed these claims on Instagram, firmly denying any plans to switch tours. A member of Im’s team later confirmed to Maeil Business Newspaper that, contrary to rumors, the Saudi-backed league had not even approached the player. These clarifications from both Kim and Im represent a significant vote of confidence in the PGA Tour from two of South Korea’s most prominent golfers at a time when player movement between tours continues to reshape professional golf’s landscape.

As the professional golf world continues to navigate the division between established tours and LIV Golf, player decisions like Kim’s provide valuable insight into how athletes are weighing their options. While many high-profile players have accepted lucrative offers to join LIV Golf since its inception in 2022, others have publicly recommitted to the PGA Tour, citing traditions, competitive structures, and long-term career considerations. Kim’s decision suggests that despite LIV’s financial resources and expansion plans, the PGA Tour still maintains significant appeal for established players who have built successful careers within its framework. As both organizations continue to evolve their strategies and offerings, these individual player choices will collectively shape the future direction of professional golf in the years ahead.