Lee Westwood, Paul Casey and Anthony Kim confirm plans amid LIV Golf exodus

Lee Westwood, Paul Casey and Anthony Kim have all confirmed their participation in the Link Hong Kong Open, but their futures with LIV Golf remain uncertain amid a period of major upheaval for the breakaway league.

The trio will tee it up at the Hong Kong Golf Club from 22-25 October, adding significant star power to the $2 million Asian Tour event as speculation continues over which players will commit to LIV Golf’s next chapter.

Their announcements come during one of the most turbulent weeks in LIV Golf’s history, headlined by two-time major champion Jon Rahm confirming his departure from the league after three years as captain of Legion XIII.

European stars David Puig and Adrian Meronk have also announced their exits, while record Ryder Cup points scorer and 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia has terminated his contract and become a free agent. 

Garcia, 46, is still considering his next move, but he has made it clear he will be returning to the DP World Tour whatever happens next season, especially as he looks to join Westwood and Sir Nick Faldo for a joint-record 11th appearance on a European Ryder Cup team in 2027. 

Westwood, Casey and Kim have yet to publicly confirm their own decisions regarding LIV 2.0, or The LIV as it's apparently going to be called, following fresh investment from BC Partners Credit. 

But their Hong Kong Open commitments later this month at least provide some clarity over their immediate playing schedules.

The timing of the tournament is particularly interesting, with the deadline for players to confirm their interest in LIV's next phase falling on the final day of the Hong Kong Open (Sunday 25 October). 

All three could therefore have important decisions to make while preparing to compete in one of Asia’s most established tournaments.

Westwood has been a co-captain of Majesticks GC, while Casey has represented Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC. Kim, meanwhile, began his LIV career without a team before joining Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces GC.

Kim enjoyed one of the standout stories of the 2026 season when he won LIV Golf Adelaide in February, completing a remarkable comeback after years away from competitive golf.

The 41-year-old had previously established himself as one of the sport’s brightest young talents, reaching sixth in the world rankings and winning three PGA Tour titles before the age of 25. Injuries and off-course struggles subsequently led to a lengthy absence, with Kim returning to competitive action in March 2024.

His Adelaide triumph, achieved in front of a huge crowd, underlined just how far he had travelled to rediscover his best form.

“I always have a great time playing in Hong Kong and enjoyed my four rounds at the Link Hong Kong Open last year,” Kim said.

“This year has been unbelievable for me, and I am so grateful to be back playing full time. Golf has given me so much and I will give it my all with this second opportunity that has been presented to me.”

Westwood will make his first appearance at the Hong Kong Open since 2009, returning to a city he has visited regularly throughout his career.

The former World No.1 and three-time European No.1 has recorded six top-three finishes in the majors and accumulated 44 professional victories. He has also won 25 times on the European Tour, with eight victories on the Asian Tour. 

“It has been a long time since I competed at the Hong Kong Open, and I cannot wait to return to compete against the strong field of players who have signed up this year,” Westwood said.

“I enjoy the energy of Hong Kong very much, and I always have the best experience when I am there.”

Casey, meanwhile, returns to the tournament for a second consecutive year after making his tournament debut in 2005.

The 49-year-old Englishman has won 15 times on the European Tour and three times on the PGA Tour, with his best major finish coming at the 2020 PGA Championship where he tied for second.

“I love the fans in Hong Kong as they are a knowledgeable crowd and really appreciate great golf,” said the former World No.3. 

“I am looking forward to competing well there, and to showing appreciation to my fans there.”

The three LIV stars join an already impressive field featuring current league members Harold Varner III, Talor Gooch, Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace and Dean Burmester, who have also not yet voiced their 2.0 decisions in public. 

Taichi Kho will likely attract strong home support during the 65th edition of the Hong Kong Open. 

Once co-sanctioned by the European Tour, the Hong Kong Open now sits exclusively on the Asian Tour schedule.

There is plenty at stake beyond the $2 million prize fund, too, with the champion earning an invitation to the 2027 Masters at famed Augusta National in April, as well a place in the 155th Open on the equally famous Old Course at St Andrews in July.

With LIV Golf’s future hanging in the balance, Westwood, Casey and Kim have confirmed where they will be playing in October — but the bigger question of where they will be playing in 2027 remains unanswered.