Byeong-Hun An’s old comments on LIV Golf resurface after his surprising decision to join the league.
Byeong-Hun An’s public stance on LIV Golf has come full circle, less than two years after he dismissed the breakaway league as a realistic career move.
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The 34-year-old has now left the PGA Tour to captain LIV Golf’s new Korean Golf Club team.
Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images
Byeong-Hun An went from rejecting LIV to leading one of its teams
In December 2023, Byeong-Hun An took social networks to express your feelings clearly. Responding to rumors linking him with a move to LIV, he made it clear what it would take.
“I wouldn’t play LIV if no money was offered. I love playing on the PGA Tour. I don’t see a reason to try LIV without a lot of money.”
This view reflected the mood of many PGA Tour players at the time, with financial motivation and competitive legitimacy remaining major topics of discussion. An’s stance then stood in stark contrast to his eventual decision to join LIV in January 2026.
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The move comes as LIV expands into Asian markets, rebranding the former Iron Heads team as Korean Golf Club.
An succeeds Kevin Na as captain, joining a line-up that includes fellow Koreans Minkyu Kim and Younghan Song, as well as New Zealander Danny Lee.
Pivot ahead as Byeong-Hun An embraces LIV’s global ambitions
Talk to Today’s golferByeong-Hun An explained that his decision followed months of conversations and a late approach to LIV.
An added that LIV’s goal of growing golf in international markets matched his own ambitions as a player representing South Korea.
“It escalated very quickly. We came to the conclusion that this would be more of an exciting phase of my life than a worrying phase. We are all excited about this opportunity.”
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“We want to grow all brands in all countries and around the world. This fit perfectly with my ultimate goal of my golf career: to expand the Korean golf market.”
This is a significant change from his 2023 comments, showing how LIV’s evolving profile and regional investment strategy have changed his perspective.
For An, the move isn’t just about money: it’s also about taking a leadership role in the development of the sport in his home country.
Learn more: Wyndham Clarke leaves PGA Tour allowing Brooks Koepka to return after LIV Golf exit
