Siwoo Kim, Amid LIV Transfer Rumors, to Compete in PGA Tour Season Opener

Sony Open Marks First Tournament of the 2026 Season
Siwoo Kim Claimed His Fourth Career Win at the 2023 Sony Open
Tom Kim and Sungjae Kim Set Sights on Asian Games

Siwoo Kim, who was rumored to be transferring to LIV Golf last winter, will be competing on the PGA Tour stage.

On January 15 (local time), he will participate in the Sony Open (total prize money of 9.1 million dollars) held at Waialae Country Club (par 70, 7,044 yards) in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. This is the first tournament of the 2026 PGA Tour season. When rumors about his potential transfer to LIV Golf surfaced last month, Siwoo Kim announced his intention to play in the Sony Open by posting, "See you in Hawaii in January."

Siwoo Kim is challenging for the victory at the PGA Tour season opener, the Sony Open. Photo by AP Yonhap News

For Siwoo Kim, Hawaii is the "promised land." In December 2022, after marrying Oh Ji-hyun, a former KLPGA Tour golfer, he went to Hawaii for their honeymoon. He then lifted the winner's trophy at the 2023 Sony Open. It was his first victory with his wife after their marriage. Since achieving his fourth career PGA Tour win at the Sony Open, he has not claimed another trophy there for three years. He is determined to stand atop the podium once again at a tournament that holds special meaning for him.

Tom Kim will also be competing. This is his first tournament after enduring his worst season following a swing adjustment last year. Tom Kim is aiming to participate in the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, which will begin in September. If he wins a gold medal in either the team or individual event, he will immediately receive a military service exemption. He needs to prove that he is back on track, starting with the Sony Open. Kim Sung-hyun, who rejoined the main tour after competing on the Korn Ferry Tour (the second-tier tour), is also listed among the participants representing Korea.