Si Woo Kim is closing in on a move to LIV Golf, and it is a deal that could have significant implications for the league.
The four-time PGA Tour winner is reportedly in advanced talks to join LIV for the 2026 season, according to Flushing It. The agreement appears to be nearing completion.
It has been reported that Kim could be joined by another “high-profile” South Korean player from the PGA Tour. While early speculation pointed towards Sungjae Im, he has since dismissed those links, leaving Byeong Hun An and Tom Kim as possible candidates.
Recent developments indicate that Kim, originally anticipated to sign with Ironhead GC, may instead assume the captaincy of a different team.
Si Woo Kim could take over from Kevin Na as LIV Golf captain
Reports have recently emerged of a power struggle between the two parties.
According to Flushing It, Kim is pushing to bring his own players into the team, which has been rebranded from Ironheads GC to Becko East GC. This move would see him take over as captain from Kevin Na. Danny Lee is expected to stay on, but Na, Yubin Jang, and Jinichiro Kozuma could all be replaced.
Despite Na being a part of LIV since 2022, his team, Ironheads GC, ended the 2025 season at the bottom of the team standings. Kim appears keen on making major changes if he joins the Saudi-backed league.
This is why an agreement still has not been reached, and Kim seems aware that he has leverage in these talks. LIV Golf had a quiet offseason in terms of recruitment and need a high-profile addition like Kim to boost their standing against the PGA Tour.
The league was also expected to sign two recent PGA Tour winners, but that has not happened yet. So far, their only additions have been Laurie Canter, who just earned his PGA Tour card, and Victor Perez.
LIV’s slow recruitment process comes at a time when Brooks Koepka could be considering a return to the PGA Tour. That makes it even more important for them to make big moves – even if it comes at Na’s expense.
Only two South Korean players remain in LIV Golf running
With Im now out of the running for a move to LIV, attention has shifted to An and Tom Kim as the two most likely candidates.
Aside from Si Woo Kim and Im, they are the only other South Koreans currently inside the top 100 of the Official World Golf Rankings.
Between the two, Tom Kim would be seen as a bigger coup. He has three PGA Tour wins, including one in 2023, and tied for second at The Open Championship that same year. However, his close ties with Scottie Scheffler and others on the PGA Tour may make a switch less probable.
An’s story is different. Back in 2009, he became the youngest-ever winner of the US Amateur. But despite that early promise, he has yet to claim a PGA Tour victory at age 34. A fresh start under Si Woo Kim’s leadership might be just what he needs.
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