For a while, it seemed the PGA Tour’s fate was once again toyed with by LIV. An alleged “eight-figure” offer made to Si Woo Kim sparked considerable controversy last week. It mimicked a cat-and-mouse chase, with the doors of the deal remaining ajar – until now.

Posting a story on his Instagram, Kim has affirmed his decision (once again) to stay loyal to the PGA Tour. “I will be playing on pga tour,” a simple text flashes across the screen.

This clarification is followed by a string of flip-flop headlines centring around the Korean. All of these are based on a proposal to join LIV’s new Korean-based franchise – the Becko East GC (earlier the Ironheads GC). As per reports, the league was also aiming to poach Kim’s fellow Korean standout Byeong Hun An.

“Si Woo has added to his Instagram story that he will be playing on the PGA Tour next season. I want to reiterate this…Substantial offers have been made, and they’ve been a major target for months now,” says Flushing It Golf through their X account.

These chaotic episodes have been spiraling for a while now. On December 10, Flushing It Golf, alongside Korean outlets such as Yonhap News, reported that Si Woo Kim was in “late-stage negotiations” with LIV Golf. As per them, the golfer was set to be the captain of Ironheads GC, with equity. The team was earlier led by Kevin Na.

Reports even claimed that Kim’s position would be more significant than what is assumed to be. The Korean would have supposedly gotten his own roster of players. The only player who’s postion remained confirmed was Danny Lee.

But in less than 24 hours, the story flipped.

On the morning of December 11, Kim’s team clearly denied any such talks. While they did accept LIV’s approach, it turns out Kim had outright rejected their proposals. Later the same day, Kim quashed the leftover murmurs by posting a picture of himself with the 2023 Sony Open’s trophy. “Okay, guys, see you in @sonyopenhawaii,” the caption says. A classic PR move.

Callaway Golf, his sponsor, turned the situation light-hearted by reposting a Wolf of Wall Street meme, “I’m not f***ing leaving.”

The reasons behind Kim’s rejection remain unknown. But there are several speculations in place.

Kim has been performing at the peak of his career. In this season alone, he gave three top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, including a T8 at the PGA Championship. The PGA Tour, let’s be honest, holds more leverage than LIV. Had such results occurred on the Saudi-backed league, Kim wouldn’t have made headlines. Hence, joining the league at such a time would be a poor move.

Part reason is the PGA Tour’s strict framework. If Kim joins LIV, he would be banned from participating in any PGA Tour event, a massive blow to his world ranking (46th). Any number of wins on LIV remains valueless for the OWGR. Kim would have also lost immediate access to premium events, like the majors.

At the same time, LIV on its own has been struggling. With losses being incurred every day, the situation of the league remains unstable. In fact, several of its own marquee players are apparently mulling a switch back to the PGA.

This is exactly the reason why the league is looking to brand its international presence, especially in the Korean market.

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Why is Si Woo Kim (and Korea) so appealing to LIV?

There’s a much larger strategy at play here. Backed by PIF and under the CEO Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf is ready to make its international expansion a primary motive. Since this year, its focus has clearly been in Asia. As part of that, it staged its inaugural South Korean event at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club near Seoul.

The reason is simple: LIV wants profit, and Korea has a huge market for that. With a large and passionate golf fanbase as well as emerging young players, it’s a goldmine. Si Woo Kim, arguably one of the most accomplished Korean male golfer represented an ideal franchise figurehead. He is the youngest to win the Players Championship at 21, and holds an otherwise global recognition.

At the same time, Ironhead GC, where Kim was supposed to enter, had suffered a turbulent 2025. It finished last on the LIV’s ranks. The 2024 Korea PGA Player of the Year was relegated after securing 52nd in the standings. Kevin Na’s captaincy clearly failed here. Bringing Kim would have been a perfect and much-needed reset, something the league is not struggling to hold over.