Only a few golfers experience the high of being a major champion. The iconic green jacket at the Masters, the gold medal, and the exclusive lifetime invitation are among the most lucrative awards in golf. Elite golfers like Colin Montgomerie and Lee Westwood haven’t claimed a major championship yet. Among the few who have won it is the 2014 US Open champion, Martin Kaymer. A decade after sinking one of the most famous putts in Ryder Cup history, he is making a move that could reshape his career path.

At the end of 2025, many LIV golfers’ contracts are about to end, and one of them is Martin Kaymer. But instead of going back to the DP World Tour or the PGA Tour, the 2x major winner has expressed his wish to continue with LIV Golf. “I think most of the contracts are up right now, and we’re in the process of it,” Kaymer told bunkered.co.uk. “I continue playing on LIV at least, hopefully, for the next five years. That’s my goal, that’s my hope, but I think it’s difficult to get a contract for five years. Also, I’m 40 years old, I need a contract that I feel comfortable with.”

Kaymer joined LIV Golf at its inception in 2022. He had a successful DP World Tour and PGA Tour career. Besides his 2014 US Open victory, he also has the 2010 PGA Championship win under his belt,  also hailing as the World No. 1 during his peak time. Despite stepping back from DP World Tour membership, Kaymer has played in some European Tour events by invitation.

He was part of the 2025 BMW International Open and the 2025 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. However, he has no plans to reclaim full membership. Instead, he decided to stick with LIV Golf, unless there’s a possibility to join the 2027 Ryder Cup. “Hopefully, in 2027, there’s a Ryder Cup year. If I feel like I have a chance to make the Ryder Cup, then I will join. Otherwise, I stick with LIV,” Kaymer said. Kaymer still holds exemptions based on past success that allow him to join without qualifying.

He aims to rejoin the European Tour only if he believes he has a chance to make the Ryder Cup team. But for now, he is looking for golfers to join LIV Golf, especially his team, Cleeks GC. Frederik Kjettrup didn’t score a point in the entire 2025 season and was relegated in the end. His relegation has left a void at Cleeks GC that Martin Kaymer wants to fill.

However, this time, it won’t be high-money contracts that will attract golfers. Amidst all the news about significant losses since its inception, LIV Golf has decided not to give away contracts with huge numbers anymore.

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LIV Golf no longer offering millions

LIV awarded Jon Rahm a massive upfront payment, performance bonuses, and team co-ownership when he joined the league.

Historically, other LIV stars such as Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, and Dustin Johnson each received over $100 million upfront. After Rahm reportedly signed a $500 million contract, the league has fundamentally shifted its contract strategy. This marks the end of the era of massive upfront player guarantees, which were a hallmark of the league’s early recruitment.

LIV Golf’s operating losses have grown from $244 million in 2023 to $394 million in 2024. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has spent an estimated $3.9 billion on LIV Golf. Further projections indicate that total investment could reach $5 billion by the end of 2025. Despite this, LIV leadership has stated that large, guaranteed contracts are no longer on offer.

When talking about how he is going with recruiting a member for his team, Kaymer said, “People are just thinking about the rumors of millions of dollars left, right, and center. We are not that kind of team. Of course, you get paid well if you play well, but not just because you put a signature on a contract.”

This change in contracting philosophy coincides with new CEO Scott O’Neil’s focus on league sustainability. The new slogan, “Long LIV Golf,” signals a shift toward partnership-building and commercial growth. LIV has already signed several major brand deals since reports of its losses, suggesting those new partnerships may have already covered much of the shortfall.

Kaymer’s decision reflects a clear focus on where he believes he can still make an impact. Instead of going back to the DP World Tour, he is choosing LIV Golf for now. Even without major contracts, he believes the league is a better fit for him.