Brooks Koepka’s decision to leave LIV Golf and return to the PGA Tour has fueled talk of golf’s civil war this week. So much so that news of Koepka’s Tour demotion caused two Tour players to defect from LIV Golf shortly thereafter.
Veteran PGA Tour pros Byeong Hun An and Thomas Detry both joined LIV Golf this week, and one of LIV’s stars has signed a new contract to stay in the league for years to come.
Here’s what you need to know.
An, Detry leaves PGA Tour for LIV amid Koepka news
Earlier in the week, LIV confirmed that Detry will perform in 2026. Detry had a breakout season last year, picking up his first PGA Tour victory at the WM Phoenix Open.
Detry ended up finishing 44th in the last FedEx Cup tournament. He is currently ranked 58th in the Official World Golf Ranking as he moves to LIV.
Then on Wednesday, we learned that An will be jumping back into LIV Golf in 2026.
The PGA Tour is bringing back another former LIV pro (but not the one you’re thinking)
By:
Kevin Cunningham
Although An has never won a PGA Tour event, the 34-year-old veteran collected five majors in a long Tour career in which he earned more than $21.5 million on the course. The former broke into the international stage with his win at the 2009 US Amateur when he was only 17 years old.
In a statement released on social media Wednesday, An said he was “very grateful” for being able to “fulfill the dreams I’ve had since childhood” in his PGA Tour career.
But he also revealed that with the 2025 PGA Tour season in the rear view, he will now begin “a new chapter and a new challenge” with LIV Golf.
He will take over as captain of the newly renamed Korean Golf Club, replacing Kevin Na, who is leaving LIV.
In a separate statement as part of LIV Golf’s press release announcing the news, An was quoted as saying, “Joining LIV Golf is a defining step for my future. LIV Golf has become a leader in the sport and a global golf league with a clear vision for the future. I see a great opportunity to expand my career as captain of the Korean Golf Club.”
You can read An’s full social media statement below.
Over the past ten years on the PGA Tour, I have been able to fulfill the dreams I have had since childhood. I am very grateful for all the time I have spent on the field and for all the support I have received during my progress.
However, after the conclusion of the 2025 season, I felt it was time for a new chapter and a new challenge in my life. As such, I decided to continue my professional career with LIV Golf, taking on the role of captain of the Korean Golf Club.
I have always been passionate about supporting young golfers and the next generation of players. Although this is still the beginning, I want to help these athletes achieve their dreams on the world stage. Leading Koren Golf Club is a great opportunity to achieve that goal.
I am incredibly excited about this new role and the journey ahead. I ask for your continued support and interest as I take on this new challenge. Sincerely, Ben An
Dustin Johnson has signed a new contract to stay at LIV
While it’s hard to argue the additions of An and Detry make up for the loss of Koepka, the owner of five major titles, the multi-successful alternative star has chosen to stick with LIV Golf for years to come.
Two-time winner Dustin Johnson signed a new multi-year contract with LIV this week. Johnson was one of the first major stars to leave the PGA Tour for LIV in 2022.
The PGA Tour invited 3 LIV players back. Here’s how they responded
By:
Dylan Dethier
Johnson will continue to captain the 4Aces team, with whom Detry played.
“This team is built for the big times, and 2026 is our opportunity to take another step forward. Thomas Detry is a great addition; he’s confident, he’s competitive, and that fits right in with who we are. We have the talent, the chemistry and the mindset to be there all season,” Johnson said in a press release announcing his new contract.
Because he didn’t win a major between 2022-2025 (he last made it to the 2020 Masters), Johnson is ineligible for the PGA Tour’s Returning Player Program, which gave Koepka a quick way back to the Tour.
Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith are eligible for the Returning Players Program, but all three players have committed to play at LIV this year.
;)
