GOLF.AI • Jan 13, 2026

LIV's Counter-Attack: Byeong Hun An

Just as the narrative began to suggest a one-way street of players returning to the PGA Tour, a new report indicates the talent war is still very much a two-way conflict. PGA Tour veteran Byeong Hun An is reportedly a major target for a new Korean-based LIV franchise, a move that would represent a crucial counter-narrative to the PGA Tour's recent momentum.

Speculation, which had previously died down, was reignited after An was spotted at LIV's preview week in South Florida on January 12. This appearance comes after earlier reports that both An and fellow countryman Si Woo Kim had rejected a massive 8-figure deal, suggesting LIV Golf may have increased its offer or that An's interest has grown.

Unlike many Tour loyalists who vocally opposed the rival league, An has never officially rejected LIV. In a notable social media post in June 2023, he referred to the PGA Tour-LIV merger framework as a "win-win" for both tours, indicating an open-mindedness to LIV's place in the golf ecosystem. His potential recruitment is strategically tied to the creation of a new Korean-based franchise, Becko East GC, showcasing LIV's focus on building regionally-focused teams.

This story is a vital reminder that the "tour wars" are not over. It directly counters the momentum the PGA Tour gained from Brooks Koepka's return and demonstrates that LIV Golf remains a powerful and attractive option for established players, capable of shaping the future of the sport's talent distribution.