Ben An signs to LIV Golf League and instantly becomes captain of team

Ben An has signed a new deal with LIV Golf and become captain of Korean Golf Club, formerly Iron Heads GC. 

An, 34, has replaced former captain Kevin Na on the team. 

LIV Golf might have failed in their bid to attract the world's best players this window, and suffered a huge loss with Brooks Koepka returning to the PGA Tour this week, but at least the breakaway league is entering 2026 on something of a high with more overseas talent on its roster. 

Several hours before An announced his arrival, the league also confirmed Elvis Smylie to Ripper GC and Thomas Detry to 4Aces GC.

Laurie Canter (Majesticks) and Victor Perez (Cleeks) had already signed earlier in the window. 

An is a two-time DP World Tour winner with victories at the 2015 BMW PGA and 2024 Genesis Championship. 

He's also perhaps best known as being the youngest-ever winner of the US Amateur, something he achieved aged 17 in 2009. 

The South Korean's real name is Byeong-hun An, but he is better known as Ben An. 

An now becomes the new captain of Korean Golf Club, which has this week undergone a name change from Iron Heads GC. 

Danny Lee remains on the team, but Jang Yu-bin and Jinichiro Kozuma have now left and been replaced by Younghan Song and Minkyu Kim.

• LIV Golf players / teams 2026

Korean Golf Club posted a message of thanks for their departing captain Na.

There was reportedly a rift in camp during the off-season with 42-year-old Na unfollowing both LIV Golf and his own team on Instagram.

It remains to be seen exactly what transpired there, but no doubt Na will reveal all soon. 

After news was confirmed of An's arrival on LIV Golf, he took to social media with a statement. 

It read as follows: 

Over the past decade on the PGA Tour, I have been able to fulfill the dreams I’ve held since childhood. I am truly grateful for every moment I’ve spent on the field and for all the incredible support I’ve received along the way.

However, following the conclusion of the 2025 season, I felt it was time for a new chapter and a fresh challenge in my life. As such, I have decided to continue my professional career with LIV Golf, taking on the role of Captain for Korean Golf Club.

I have always been passionate about supporting junior golfers 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. Leading the Korean Golf Club is the perfect opportunity to achieve that 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
1/14/2026

The signing of An is one that certainly excites LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil, who said: 

“The arrival of Ben underscores our long-term commitment to - and deep belief in - the Korean market and the important role it plays in shaping the future of global golf. Ben represents a generation of elite athletes who value expanding the game’s reach, competing at the highest level on an international stage, and carrying the responsibility of representing their country with pride. That perspective aligns powerfully with our belief that golf’s next era will be defined by diversity, ambition, and a rising standard of elite global competition. Korea has established itself as one of the sport’s most passionate markets, capable of producing a pipeline of world-class talent, Ben personifies the pride, discipline, and competitive excellence that have shaped that reputation.”

Scott Vincent and Yosuke Asaji are also on the league for 2026 having qualified via the Asian Tour's International Series. 

They are joined by Richard T. Lee, Anthony Kim and Bjorn Hellgren who all earned their cards via last week's Promotions event. 

What do you make of LIV Golf's signings for 2026?

Have they lost their firepower now, especially losing Brooks Koepka?

Share your thoughts and comments below, or head over to GolfMagic's social media channels to join the debate.