The 2026 LIV Golf season is set to commence shortly with the LIV Golf Riyadh event, featuring 57 players, including 11 individuals making their league debut. Among them is Thomas Detry, who is expected to attract significant attention as he joins the LIV Golf tour for the first time.
New Golfers Entering LIV Golf at the Riyadh Event
Thomas Detry, fresh off securing his first PGA Tour victory at the WM Phoenix Open and qualifying for the playoffs, is now making a notable transition to LIV Golf. He will compete under Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces Golf Club in this season’s opening event.
Victor Perez, a three-time winner on the DP World Tour, will be joining Cleeks Golf Club this season, stepping in to replace Frederik Kjettrup on the roster. Perez’s experience adds depth to the team as the league expands.
Michael La Sasso, the current NCAA champion, is another promising new entrant. He has elected to forego an invitation to the Masters, opting instead to participate for Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers Golf Club, marking his debut with LIV Golf this year.
Elvis Smylie, aged 23, will represent Cameron Smith’s Ripper Golf Club. Smylie was recently seen competing in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, signaling his readiness to join LIV Golf’s competitive landscape.
Byeong Hun An, a prominent South Korean golfer, has made a significant move from the PGA Tour to lead the rebranded Korean Golf Club. His participation strengthens the team’s presence in this season’s LIV Golf events.
Miguel Tabuena is set to play for 4Aces Golf Club after Patrick Reed’s sudden departure just a week prior to the tournament. Tabuena brings fresh energy and experience to the team under the guidance of Dustin Johnson.
Minkyu Kim, another South Korean golfer with seven professional titles including victories on the Asian Tour, will also join the Korean Golf Club. His success elevates the team’s competitiveness.
Younghan Song, primarily active on the Japan Golf Tour where he has secured two titles, rounds out the Korean squad. Song will be aiming to make an impact in the league with his solid track record.
Yosuke Asaji earned his spot in the LIV Golf Riyadh event through a runner-up finish in the International Series. He boasts seven career wins, including four victories on the Japan Golf Tour, and will be looking to add to his achievements.
Richard T. Lee qualified for LIV Golf by winning the LIV Golf Promotions. At 35, the Canadian golfer brings six professional wins to the tour, including three from the Asian circuit, enhancing the diversity and experience in the field.
Bjorn Hellgren, who claimed third place at the LIV Golf Promotions, has secured entry into the PIF-sponsored league. With eight career wins, including one on the Asian Tour, Hellgren is poised to be a strong competitor during the opening season.
Impact of the New Entrants on LIV Golf’s Expansion
The addition of these 11 debutants, led by Thomas Detry’s high-profile switch, marks an important phase for LIV Golf as it gears up for the 2026 season. Many of these players bring a wealth of experience from prestigious tours such as the PGA, DP World Tour, Asian Tour, and Japan Golf Tour. This influx not only diversifies the competition but also enhances the league’s global appeal.
Players like Ben An, who will captain the Korean Golf Club, and young talents such as Michael La Sasso underscore LIV Golf’s strategy to blend established stars with emerging prospects. The participation of these golfers further signals the league’s growing influence and the shifting dynamics in professional golf.
As the LIV Golf Riyadh event unfolds, it will be closely watched to assess how these newcomers adapt to LIV’s unique format and team-based competition. The involvement of renowned figures like Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, who lead respective clubs, adds an extra layer of excitement and expectation to the tournament.
With the season’s start imminent, anticipation is high around how these debut players will perform and contribute to their teams’ success. The outcomes could shape the evolving narrative of LIV Golf and its place within the wider golfing world.
NCAA Champion Michael La Sasso is now the youngest player on LIV Golf after signing for Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC during the off season. He explained his decision to join the league ahead of the season opener in Riyadh:
“One of the things that went into my decision, when I… https://t.co/5cPYBVB8sl pic.twitter.com/kUm38Dz3Mz
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) February 3, 2026
