LIV Golf’s offseason has gone from disappointing to a complete mess.
They have not managed to bring in any big names, a far cry from the days when they pulled off shock moves like Jon Rahm’s switch from the PGA Tour.
Instead, LIV looked to South Korea, hoping to strengthen its presence in Asia by targeting Si Woo Kim and Sungjae Im. While not headline-grabbing, it was a logical play.
But that plan quickly fell apart. Im publicly denied any move on Instagram, and reports out of Korea suggest Kim has also walked away from talks. That leaves Laurie Canter and Victor Perez as the only additions so far this offseason.
And with rumours swirling about Brooks Koepka wanting a return to the PGA Tour, this has been LIV Golf’s toughest stretch since launching in 2022 – and fans are not happy.
Fans turn on LIV Golf after Si Woo Kim snub
Some of that frustration came from how the situation unfolded, with reports emerging before the deal was done. One fan speculated that public knowledge of the move gave others a chance to step in and persuade Kim to stay on the PGA Tour.
“The ‘invisible hand’ has been hard at work once again!… Maybe, just maybe, LIV Golf should keep tight lips on their deals before they are use for leverage in other negotiations, all the while giving a heads up to those “invisible hands” to get involved and break those deals,” that fan wrote on X.
Another one added: “Loose lips about some big and important deals has been a LIV Golf problem since its inception. I wonder what that ‘invisible hand’ is offering Si Woo Kim in return?”
LIV’s decision to switch from its 54-hole format to 72 holes also has not sat well with everyone. The change was meant to help them gain eligibility for Official World Golf Ranking points, but some supporters think it has backfired.
One said: “With LIV Golf swinging and missing on players, moronically ditching its 54 hole identity, and getting on its knees for OWGR, you can’t help but think this is the worst offseason the league has had at this point.”
Another fan agreed: “We heading toward a disapointing off season potentially. My worries are growing. 1. Go to 72 holes lame . 2. no owgr yet 3. no big signings. Panic is setting in haha.”
There are even those questioning whether LIV Golf can survive much longer under its current direction.
“It ends within 5 years man. There is 0 doubt LIV folds now, just a matter of when. They’re on a slow death march at this point,” one comment read.
Someone else added: “Hey @livgolf_league, Maybe let’s put all this time and resources into pickleball. I think you’d love the casual scene and audience. It’s time you exit the golf scene. Thanks!”
What Si Woo Kim’s decision means for LIV Golf’s future
LIV’s attempt to sign Kim, along with other South Korean players, was a smart play after it became clear that top PGA Tour names were not going to jump ship. But the way things played out is raising some real concerns about the tour’s future.
With an event planned in Korea and a roster featuring three Korean-born players next season, adding Kim would have fit perfectly into their strategy. The move made sense as LIV tried to establish itself as a truly global tour.
The failure to secure a four-time PGA Tour winner represents a significant setback. Without the ability to attract players of this calibre, LIV’s recruitment strategy becomes fundamentally unworkable.
Without the ability to recruit purposefully, LIV will be left hoping players decide on their own to make the switch, rather than actively building rosters that appeal to different markets like they tried with Kim.
If Canter ends up being their top signing this offseason, especially just after earning his PGA Tour card, it signals a tough road ahead for the tour.
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