The golf world is buzzing! Thomas Detry and Elvis Smylie are reportedly set to join LIV Golf, adding new names to the controversial league. With the 2026 season fast approaching, LIV is facing the challenge of attracting top-tier talent.
Just a month before the opening event in Saudi Arabia, the biggest surprise was Brooks Koepka's decision to leave LIV. He had a lucrative, nine-figure contract signed in 2022, but he's choosing to step away.
Detry is expected to be the most high-profile addition this winter. While he might not be at the level of Jon Rahm or Tyrrell Hatton, who made waves joining LIV two years ago, the 32-year-old is a solid player.
Smylie, on the other hand, finished 23rd in the Race to Dubai standings.
Detry, currently ranked 57th in the world, made history as the first Belgian to win a PGA Tour event, dominating the WM Phoenix Open last February. He also secured 44th place in the FedEx Cup standings, making the cut in 19 out of 24 events.
It seems Detry will likely join the 4Aces franchise, led by Dustin Johnson, reuniting him with fellow Belgian Thomas Pieters. Meanwhile, Harold Varner is expected to join Smash GC, Koepka’s former team, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Smylie, ranked 127th globally, had an impressive DP World Tour season, winning the Australian PGA Championship in November 2024, defeating Open champion Cameron Smith.
It's likely Smylie will join Smith's all-Australian Ripper GC franchise. Matt Jones, another team member from last season, is participating in the LIV Promotions event in Florida this week, where three players will earn a spot on LIV for the 2026 season.
LIV still has several spots to fill as the league expands to 57 players and returns to a traditional 72-hole format. This is part of their ongoing effort to gain Official World Golf Ranking points.
LIV has already signed Laurie Canter and Victor Perez this winter. However, the days of offering massive signing bonuses like those given to Bryson DeChambeau, Rahm, and Koepka seem to be over.
DeChambeau, LIV's biggest star, is negotiating a contract extension. Koepka is reportedly eager to return to the PGA Tour but must serve a suspension before he can rejoin, despite maintaining good relationships with PGA Tour players.
Rory McIlroy commented on Koepka's potential return, saying it would be beneficial for the game. But, he also highlighted the legal complexities and the precedent it would set.
But here's where it gets controversial... The PGA Tour's rules make it difficult to treat Koepka differently, especially given the ongoing lawsuits.
What do you think? Should Koepka be allowed back on the PGA Tour immediately? Do you agree with McIlroy's assessment of the situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
