Seoul: Kim Si-woo, a four-time PGA Tour winner from South Korea, is reportedly on the verge of joining the LIV Golf League next season, a tour backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Tom Hobbs of Flushing It Golf reported that Kim is in "late stage negotiations" to make the switch to LIV Golf, alongside another prominent South Korean PGA Tour player. Although the specific details causing the delay in the agreement are not clear, sources within the league remain optimistic that the deal will be finalized before the 2026 season commences.
LIV Golf, since its inception in 2022, has managed to attract several notable PGA Tour players, including major champions such as Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm. In 2025, the league featured 13 teams, each comprising four players, competing in both team and individual formats. Iron Heads GC, captained by Korean American Kevin Na, concluded the season in last place.
Kim Si-woo, currently ranked No. 47 in the world, is expected to fill a vacant spot on Iron Heads GC, following the relegation of Jang Yu-bin, who finished his season at No. 52. Kim's most notable victory came at the 2017 Players Championship, where he set a record as the youngest winner of the event. His recent performance includes making 22 cuts in 30 starts with three top-10 finishes in 2025.
Meanwhile, rumors have circulated about fellow South Korean golfer Im Sung-jae possibly joining LIV Golf. However, a source close to Im told Sports Illustrated that there is a "zero percent" chance of him leaving the PGA Tour. Im's caddie, Willy Wilcox, humorously dismissed the speculation by joking about a fictitious space tour deal on social media.
LIV Golf hosted its inaugural tournament in South Korea in May at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea. Although there were earlier reports of a return to South Korea in 2026, the tour's official website does not currently list a South Korean event. Additionally, LIV Golf announced plans to expand its tournaments from 54 to 72 holes in 2026, aiming to have events count toward official world ranking points.