The golf market, something that did not even exist until the arrival of LIV Golf, is on fire, especially since Brooks Koepka agreed a few weeks ago to terminate his contract with the Saudi-backed circuit. His return to the PGA Tour was quicker than expected and he was given very strict financial conditions. In sporting terms, he has to earn his place back.
In fact, the PGA devised a system to offer the same return conditions to Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith. This ‘offer’ is valid until February 2 and after that the CEO of the US circuit does not guarantee that this door will be opened again. The aforementioned players were faced with this ultimatum, and have already responded by confirming their permanence in LIV Golf. In any case, it is not as if they could break their contract just like that.
“I have a contract until 2026. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in LIV Golf this year,” said DeChambeau during the team camp organized by LIV in Florida before the start of the season on February 4 in Riyadh. The ‘Scientist’ only has one year left on his contract with the Saudi league and now has the upper hand in negotiating his renewal.
Then it was Jon Rahm’s turn to speak. “I don’t plan on going anywhere, so a very similar answer to Bryson’s. I wish Brooks the best, and for my part, I’m focused on LIV this year and hopefully my team can repeat as champion.” The ‘Lion of Barrika’ has been LIV’s most expensive signing and the Spaniard has also influenced some good players to join the competition.Cameron Smith has also shown loyalty to the Saudi circuit, in which he landed just after winning the British Open at St. Andrews. “I made a decision and I’m sticking to it,” said the Australian. “I’ll be with LIV for the next few years.”
What LIV Golf has confirmed is the signing of Thomas Detry (32), winner of the 2025 PGA Tour Phoenix Open. The Times reported his signing a few days ago, but it is now official. The Belgian will play for 4 Aces GC, captained by Dustin Johnson, who has also renewed his contract for “several years”. This team will therefore be made up of DJ, Patrick Reed, Thomas Pieters and Detry.
Another novelty is that Kevin Na is leaving the league and this means that the former team known as Iron Heads will be renamed Korean Golf Club, as it will be made up of Byeong Hun An, Danny Lee, Minkyu Kim and Younghan Song.
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