Brooks Koepka’s the decision to leave LIV Golf and return to the PGA Tour has dominated the discourse in golf’s civil war this week. So much so that news of the Tour’s Koepka coup overshadowed the fact that two Tour players defected to LIV Golf soon after.
Veteran PGA Tour pros Byeong Hun An AND Thomas Detry both joined LIV Golf this week as one of LIV’s biggest stars signed a new contract to stay in the league for years to come.
Here’s what you need to know.
One, Detry leaves PGA Tour for LIV amid Koepka news
Earlier in the week, LIV confirmed that Detry would be making the move for 2026. Detry had a breakout season last year, capturing his first PGA Tour victory at the WM Phoenix Open.
Detry eventually finished 44th in the final FedEx Cup Standings. He is currently ranked 58th in the Official World Golf Ranking while making the move to LIV.
Then on Wednesday, we learned that An would also be making the jump to LIV Golf in 2026.
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Although An never won a PGA Tour event, the 34-year-old veteran finished runner-up five times during a long Tour career in which he earned more than $21.5 million at the course. He first broke onto the international scene with his 2009 US Amateur victory when he was just 17 years old.
In one statement on social media on WednesdayAn said he was “grateful” to be able to “fulfill the dreams I’ve had since childhood” during his PGA Tour career.
But he also revealed that with the 2025 PGA Tour season in the rear view, he would now begin a “new chapter and a new challenge” with LIV Golf.
An 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 a LIV Golf press release announcing the news, An was quoted as saying, “Joining LIV Golf is a defining move for my future. LIV Golf is becoming a leading force in the game and a truly global golf league with a clear vision for the future. I see a great opportunity to grow my career as the captain of the Korea Golf Club.”
Below you can read Ani’s full statement on social networks.
Over the past decade on the PGA Tour, I’ve been able to fulfill dreams I’ve held since childhood. I am truly grateful for every moment I have spent on the field and all the incredible support I have received along the way.
However, after the 2025 season ended, I felt it was time for a new chapter and a new challenge in my life. As such, I have decided to continue my professional career with LIV Golf, taking on the role of captain for the Korean Golf Club.
I have always been passionate about supporting young players and the next generation of players. While this is just the beginning, I want to help these athletes realize their dreams on the world stage. The leadership of Koren Golf Club is the perfect opportunity to achieve this goal.
I am incredibly excited about this new role and the journey ahead. I kindly ask for your continued support and interest as I take on this new challenge. With sincere gratitude – Ben An
Dustin Johnson signs new contract to stay at LIV
While it’s hard to argue that the additions of An and Detry make up for the loss of Koepka, owner of five majors, a different major-winning star chose to stay with LIV Golf for years to come.
Dustin Johnsontwo-time major winner, 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.
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Johnson will continue to captain the 4Aces team and Detry will play alongside him.
“This team is built for big moments and 2026 is a chance for us to take another step forward. Thomas Detry is a great addition; he is confident, competitive and that fits exactly who we are.
Because he didn’t win a major between 2022-2025 (his last coming at the 2020 Masters), Johnson does not qualify for the PGA Tour Returning Player Programwhich gave Koepka an accelerated path back to the Tour.
Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith are eligible for the returning player program, but all three players have committed to play in LIV this year.

