At a Glance
- Belgian star Thomas Detry will join LIV Golf for the 2026 season
- League increases total purse from $25 million to $30 million
- Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm confirm they are staying with LIV
- Why it matters: The Saudi-funded league is expanding its roster and financial incentives while retaining top talent
LIV Golf is entering its fifth season with a major roster addition and a significant prize money boost. Thomas Detry of Belgium, fresh off his first PGA Tour victory at the 2024 Phoenix Open, has committed to join the league for 2026.
Prize Money Surge and Roster Changes
CEO Scott O’Neil announced that the total purse will increase from $25 million to $30 million, with just over $22 million allocated for individual results. The remaining funds will support team performance bonuses.
Detry, currently ranked No. 58 in the world, will join the 4 Aces team led by Dustin Johnson. Johnson also signed an extension to remain with LIV, providing stability to one of the league’s marquee squads.
The league continues to attract international talent. Elvis Smylie, a 23-year-old Australian who captured the Australian PGA Championship and finished runner-up at the French Open, will join the Ripper team based in Australia.
Major Champions Reject PGA Tour Return
The league previewed its upcoming season starting February 4 in Saudi Arabia with confirmation that its biggest stars aren’t going anywhere. Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm both affirmed their commitment to LIV after the PGA Tour offered a pathway back for select players.
The tour extended return offers only to players who have won majors or The Players Championship since 2022. This group included DeChambeau, Rahm, and Cameron Smith. All three declined the opportunity.
“Right now I’ve got a contract. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do at LIV Golf this year,” DeChambeau stated during the preview week.
Rahm was equally definitive: “I’m not planning on going anywhere.”
Koepka Departure Creates Opportunity
The week began with blockbuster news that Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion and former world No. 1, had been granted permission to rejoin the PGA Tour. His return requires a $5 million charitable donation and forfeiture of PGA Tour equity access for five years.
O’Neil expressed no resentment about Koepka’s departure. “I don’t think this is where he wanted to be,” O’Neil said, adding that he is rooting for Koepka’s success.
The CEO emphasized the commitment of remaining players: “I will tell you I’ve got 57 guys that are running towards the light, and they understand the mission. They understand what’s expected of them, and they jump in and dive it and do it extraordinarily well.”
Team Restructuring and World Ranking Hopes
Several teams have undergone significant changes beyond roster additions. The Iron Heads will now compete as the Korean Golf Club, though previous captain Kevin Na is no longer with the league. The South African-based Stinger GC has rebranded as Southern Guards, while the U.K.-based Majesticks retained their name but updated branding to include the Union Jack flag.
Byeong Hun An, winner of the 2009 U.S. Amateur, joins as captain of the South Korea-based team. Despite never winning on the PGA Tour, An brings international experience to the expanding league.
LIV Golf, which began with 48 players in 2022, now features 57 players including five wild-card participants. The league continues to await a decision from the Official World Golf Ranking on whether LIV events will receive ranking points.
O’Neil expressed optimism about the ongoing review: “The intention is to get this done before the season starts. That’s the intention. But hey – I don’t have a vote, ironically enough. Hopefully that that news comes through and true, and I’m still going to nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize if we get this thing done.”
Financial Growth and Player Commitment
The $5 million increase in total prize money represents a 20% boost over the previous season. This financial commitment comes as the league solidifies its position in professional golf’s landscape.
O’Neil declined to discuss specific financial terms of Koepka’s departure, maintaining the league’s focus on current players and future growth. The CEO’s emphasis on having “57 guys that are running towards the light” suggests strong internal support for LIV’s direction.
The league’s structure, featuring both individual and team competitions, continues to differentiate it from traditional golf tournaments. The team component receives significant financial support, with the remaining prize money beyond individual awards supporting team performance bonuses.
According to Olivia Bennett Harris reporting via News Of Philadelphia, LIV Golf’s preview week successfully generated momentum heading into the February 4 season opener in Saudi Arabia. The combination of new talent, increased prize money, and retained star power positions the league for continued growth in its fifth season.
