LIV Golf Korea 2026: Preview, Schedule, Players & Predictions

LIV Golf Korea 2026

LIV Golf is heading to South Korea, and it is bringing everything. LIV Golf Korea 2026 takes place May 28-31 at Asiad Country Club in Busan, South Korea. Fifty-seven elite players, a $30 million purse, a DJ set from global superstar Peggy Gou, and a venue making its LIV Golf debut are all on the menu this week.

LIV Golf Korea is the eighth tournament of the 2026 LIV Golf season and begins a stretch that includes the final five regular-season tournaments. The standings race is heating up. This week matters more than most. Here is everything you need to know.

What Is LIV Golf Korea 2026?

LIV Golf Korea is an official event on the LIV Golf League schedule. It is one of 14 events on the 2026 global calendar, spanning 10 countries and five continents.

The visit is the second to Korea in league history. The inaugural LIV Golf Korea was held during the 2025 season at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon outside Seoul. The 2026 edition moves the event to Busan and to a brand new venue for the first time.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said: “Bringing LIV Golf back to Korea, and to Busan for the first time, is an important next step for the league and for our fans here. The appetite for LIV Golf continues to grow, and Asiad Country Club and the city of Busan gives us a venue that meets our ambitions for the event.”

Like every LIV Golf event, the format runs a dual competition. Thirteen four-player franchises compete for the team prize. All 57 players simultaneously chase the individual title. There is no cut. Every player in the field competes across all 72 holes.

Key Facts About LIV Golf Korea 2026

  • Event name: LIV Golf Korea 2026
  • Event 8 of 14 on the 2026 LIV Golf global schedule
  • Dates: May 28-31, 2026
  • Venue: Asiad Country Club, 26, Chayang-gil, Ilgwang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea
  • Course: Par 70, 7,024 yards (Valley and Lake nines)
  • Format: 72-hole stroke play, individual and team competition simultaneously
  • Field: 57 players, 13 teams plus 5 wild card individuals
  • Cut: No cut. All 57 players compete all four days
  • Total purse: $30 million ($20 million individual, $10 million team)
  • Individual winner earns $4 million
  • Team winner splits $3 million
  • Last-place individual earns $50,000
  • Start format: Shotgun start, all groups tee off simultaneously
  • US broadcast: FOX Sports
  • Korea broadcast: JTBC Golf and JTBC Sports
  • Saturday concert: Peggy Gou, DJ set after Round 3 at 6:00 PM KST
  • Defending individual champion: Bryson DeChambeau (2025, Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea)

History of LIV Golf Korea

LIV Golf Korea is the league’s second trip to South Korea. The inaugural event took place during the 2025 season at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon outside Seoul. That debut generated enormous excitement and set the stage for what was always going to be a multi-year commitment to Korean golf.

LIV has signed a multi-year agreement with Asiad Country Club, confirming the event will return to Busan in future seasons. This is not a one-off visit. The league is building something lasting in South Korea.

The 2026 LIV Golf season has visited eight different countries in its first eight tournaments. Korea marks that milestone, cementing the league’s status as the most globally diverse professional golf circuit in the world.

Notable Milestones Include

  • 2025: LIV Golf makes its Korean debut at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon. Bryson DeChambeau wins the individual title. Crushers GC win the team competition.
  • 2026: LIV Golf signs a multi-year deal with Asiad Country Club in Busan, moving the event to South Korea’s second-largest city for the first time.
  • 2026: Korea becomes the eighth different country to host a LIV Golf tournament in the first eight events of the 2026 season

What Makes LIV Golf Korea Unique?

Several things set this week apart from a standard professional golf event.

  • Festival format: Golf, music, food, and entertainment fill all four days. This is a full experience, not just a tournament.
  • No cut: All 57 players compete Thursday through Sunday. You will never miss your favorite player because they missed a cut.
  • Shotgun start: Every group tees off simultaneously. From the first shot, action is happening everywhere on the course at once.
  • Team competition: Thirteen franchises compete alongside the individual event. That team loyalty creates energy no PGA Tour event can match.
  • Peggy Gou: Global DJ superstar Peggy Gou headlines the Saturday night cultural performance after Round 3 at 6:00 PM KST.
  • Korean Golf Club on home soil: An all-Korean team competes in front of their home crowd in Busan. The energy that creates is unmatchable.
  • A brand new LIV venue: Asiad Country Club is one of the most globally recognized golf venues in Asia, making its LIV Golf debut this week.

When and Where Does LIV Golf Korea 2026 Take Place?

The event takes place May 28-31, 2026, at Asiad Country Club in Busan, South Korea. Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, sitting along a dramatic coastline in the southeast of the peninsula. 

Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, Park Heong-joon, said: “We are proud to welcome LIV Golf to our city. Bringing a global sporting event of this scale to Busan reflects the city’s growing role as an international destination for sport, culture, and tourism.”

What Kind of Course Is Asiad Country Club?

Asiad Country Club is a premier championship golf facility originally built for the 2002 Asian Games. It later became LPGA International Busan, making it one of the most globally recognized golf venues in Asia.

Originally built for the 2002 Asian Games, Asiad Country Club underwent a major redesign in 2019 led by renowned architect Rees Jones. The club hosted the BMW LPGA Championship for three seasons and was the first LPGA-certified golf course outside the U.S.

Rees Jones has earned his reputation as one of the best golf course architects in the industry, nicknamed “The Open Doctor” because seven courses he has worked on have hosted the U.S. Open.

Course Layout and Conditions

The Rees Jones-redesigned course plays as a par 70 at 7,024 yards for LIV Golf Korea, using the narrow, tree-lined Valley nine on the front and the more scoreable Lake nine on the back.

Key course characteristics include:

  • Par 70, 7,024 yards for LIV Golf competition
  • 27 holes total across three courses: Valley, Lake, and Pine
  • Valley course: narrow and tree-lined, demands a target golf approach
  • Lake course: more open and expected to be more scoreable
  • Signature hole: par-3 sixth, 159 yards, downhill to an island green
  • The double-dogleg ninth plays as a 501-yard par 4 for LIV Golf Korea
  • Two par-5s have been converted to par-4s, making scoring tougher than usual
  • Redesigned by Rees Jones in 2019
  • Located in Gijang district, just outside Busan’s city center
  • Previously hosted the BMW LPGA Championship for three seasons

The conversion of par-5s to par-4s is the key setup decision this week. It removes birdie opportunities on the longer holes and places greater demands on precision. Players who drive the ball accurately and control their irons will have a clear edge.

LIV Golf Korea 2026 Tournament Format

LIV Golf Korea runs a format completely unlike anything else in professional golf. Every round begins with a simultaneous shotgun start. All groups tee off at the same time from different holes. Action fills the entire course from the very first shot.

Tournament Format Breakdown

DetailInformation
FormatStroke play, individual and team concurrent
Total Rounds4
Total Holes72
Field Size57 players
Teams13 teams of 4 players, plus 5 wild cards
CutNo cut. All 57 players compete all four days
Start FormatShotgun start, all groups simultaneously
Individual WinnerLowest 72-hole individual score
Team WinnerLowest combined team score over 72 holes

Round Format Breakdown

Round 1 (Thursday, May 28): LIV Golf Korea gets underway at Asiad Country Club. Every player tees off at once across the Valley and Lake nines. The standings race officially enters its critical final stretch.

Round 2 (Friday, May 29): The individual and team races develop. With no cut, every player is still in the hunt heading into the weekend.

Round 3 (Saturday, May 30): Moving day in Busan. Players push hard for Sunday positioning, then Peggy Gou takes the stage at 6:00 PM KST for the Saturday night concert.

Round 4 (Sunday, May 31): The individual and team champions are crowned. Trophy ceremony follows the final putts at Asiad Country Club.

How the Team Competition Works

Each of the 13 LIV Golf franchises fields four players. All four scores count toward the team total across every round. The team with the lowest combined 72-hole score wins the team championship and splits $3 million.

Wild card players compete for individual prize money only and do not contribute to any team total.

For Ties and Playoffs

If two or more players tie for the individual title after 72 holes, a sudden-death playoff determines the champion. Players compete hole by hole until one posts a lower score. Team ties are resolved using a countback system based on final-round scores.

For Weather Delays

Busan in late May can bring coastal winds and afternoon showers. Here is how delays are managed:

  • Play stops immediately for lightning, heavy rain, or unsafe conditions
  • Officials resume play the same day when conditions allow
  • Extended delays carry rounds into the following morning
  • Concert schedules may be adjusted depending on conditions
  • All decisions are made by LIV Golf officials on site

LIV Golf Korea 2026 Full Schedule

The full tournament period runs May 25-31, 2026, with competition rounds May 28-31 at Asiad Country Club.

Full Daily Schedule

Thursday, May 28: Round 1

EventTime (KST)Time (ET)
Fan Village OpenAll dayAll day
Shotgun Start1:15 PM12:15 AM
FOX Sports Coverage (USA)Check foxsports.comOvernight
JTBC Golf/JTBC Sports (Korea)1:00 PM

Friday, May 29: Round 2

EventTime (KST)Time (ET)
Fan Village OpenAll dayAll day
Shotgun Start1:15 PM12:15 AM
FOX Sports Coverage (USA)Check foxsports.comOvernight

Saturday, May 30: Round 3 and Concert Night

EventTime (KST)Time (ET)
Fan Village OpenAll dayAll day
Shotgun Start1:15 PM12:15 AM
Peggy Gou DJ Performance6:00 PM

Sunday, May 31: Final Round

EventTime (KST)Time (ET)
Fan Village OpenAll dayAll day
Shotgun Start1:05 PM12:05 AM
Trophy CeremonyFollowing final putts

For confirmed shotgun start times and pairings, visit LIV Golf official website.

When Are Pairings Released?

LIV Golf uses a shotgun start rather than traditional tee times. All groups tee off simultaneously each day from assigned holes. Official groupings and hole assignments are confirmed at the start of event week. Check livgolf.com for all official pairings.

How Do Players Qualify for LIV Golf Korea 2026?

The LIV Golf Korea field is built through contracted league membership, team franchise rosters, and wild card positions.

Qualification Criteria

Players earn their place through:

  • Contracted LIV Golf League membership as a franchise player
  • Team franchise selection by each of the 13 team captains
  • Wild card spots earned through season standings and performance
  • Promotions event results, where players outside the league compete for open spots
  • Special invitations issued by LIV Golf for select events

The 2026 field of 57 players represents 16 countries, bringing genuine international diversity to Busan this week.

Overview of the 2026 Player Field

All eyes will be on Korean Golf Club and captain Byeong Hun An in front of their home fans in Korea.

The wider field is loaded with major champions and season-long contenders looking to make their mark heading into the final stretch of the 2026 schedule.

Top Players and Team Captains

The biggest names heading to Busan this week include:

  • Jon Rahm (Legion XIII): Leads the individual season standings. Won in Hong Kong and Mexico City. The most consistent player in LIV Golf so far in 2026.
  • Bryson DeChambeau (Captain, Crushers GC): Defending individual and team champion at LIV Golf Korea. Has wins and missed cuts in 2026. The course suits his game perfectly.
  • Lucas Herbert (Ripper GC): Broke through for his first LIV Golf individual victory at LIV Golf Virginia earlier this month. Arrives in Korea with confidence flowing.
  • Dustin Johnson (Captain, 4Aces GC): His team leads the standings after winning at Virginia. One of the most dangerous players in the field on any course.
  • Anthony Kim (4Aces GC): Shot a final-round 62 at Virginia to fuel the 4Aces team playoff win. In the form of his career right now.
  • Thomas Detry (4Aces GC): Ranked third in the individual standings entering Korea with four top-10 finishes in six events.
  • Cameron Smith (Captain, Ripper GC): Captain of the team chasing the standings lead. Sharp course management suits Asiad’s tree-lined layout.
  • Sergio Garcia (Captain, Fireballs GC): The Masters champion arrives as one of the most experienced players in the field.

Korean Golf Club on Home Soil

LIV Golf rebranded the team for 2026 as Korean Golf Club, building an all-Korean roster to compete on home soil. The full lineup is:

  • Byeong Hun An (Captain): A seasoned international competitor and former European Tour winner. An said: “Playing LIV Golf in Korea means a great deal to all of us. Competing at home, in front of Korean fans, brings a different level of pride.”
  • Minkyu Kim: A two-time winner of the Korea Open, Kim said: “I think people are going to love it. A lot of good players are coming to Korea. Everybody is really excited.”
  • Younghan Song: A consistent performer on the Asian tour circuit
  • Danny Lee: New Zealand-born player of Korean heritage with significant PGA Tour experience

The home team storyline is one of the most compelling of the entire 2026 LIV Golf season. Korean fans filling Asiad Country Club to cheer on their own players in Busan will create an atmosphere unlike anything else this week delivers.

Defending Champion and Past Winners

Bryson DeChambeau is the defending individual champion at LIV Golf Korea, having won the 2025 edition at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon. Crushers GC return as defending team champions from that same event.

YearVenueIndividual ChampionTeam Champion
2025Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, IncheonBryson DeChambeauCrushers GC

DeChambeau dominated the 2025 edition at a completely different venue. Asiad Country Club presents a new challenge. However, his track record at LIV Golf Korea events gives him a psychological advantage over the rest of the field heading into the week.

What Is the Prize Money at LIV Golf Korea 2026?

The individual champion at LIV Golf Korea will bank $4 million from the $20 million individual purse. The winning team splits the $3 million team prize.

Total Purse and Winner’s Share

CompetitionTotal PurseWinner’s Share
Individual$20,000,000$4,000,000
Team$10,000,000$3,000,000
Combined$30,000,000Up to $7,000,000 combined

Individual Prize Money Breakdown

PositionPrize Money
1st$4,000,000
2nd$2,250,000
5th$800,000
10th$405,000
Last place (57th)$50,000

Team Prize Money Breakdown

Team FinishPrize Money
1st (Team champion)$3,000,000
2nd$1,500,000
Last (13th)$200,000

Every team walks away with money. Even last place earns $200,000. That is the LIV Golf financial model at work every single week.

Points, Exemptions, and Competitive Rewards

Winning the individual title at LIV Golf Korea delivers more than the check. The full package for the 2026 champion includes:

  • $4,000,000 in prize money
  • 200 LIV Golf individual season standings points
  • A significant boost in the season-long championship race
  • Players inside the top 3 of the individual standings earn a U.S. Open exemption
  • Global media exposure as a LIV Golf event winner

Additional Long-Term Impacts

  • Season standings: 200 points in Korea can completely reshape the individual title race heading into the final events.
  • Team standings: 4Aces GC sits atop the team standings entering Korea. A strong or weak week here shifts the entire team picture.
  • Season finale qualification: Strong performers all season earn spots in the Michigan Team Championship, the LIV Golf season finale.

How Can You Watch LIV Golf Korea 2026?

If you are watching in the US, coverage airs on FOX Sports. In the UK, each of the four rounds airs on TNT.

Broadcast Schedule and Coverage Details

DayRoundUS NetworkKorea NetworkStart Time (KST)
Thursday, May 28Round 1FOX SportsJTBC Golf / JTBC Sports1:15 PM
Friday, May 29Round 2FOX SportsJTBC Golf / JTBC Sports1:15 PM
Saturday, May 30Round 3FOX SportsJTBC Golf / JTBC Sports1:15 PM
Sunday, May 31Final RoundFOX NetworkJTBC Golf / JTBC Sports1:05 PM

Please note: There is no YouTube streaming available in the U.S. for LIV Golf Korea.

Global Broadcast Partners

Fans around the globe can watch LIV Golf events via major broadcast partners including FOX (US), TNT (UK and Ireland), Viaplay (Nordics), Sky Sport Germany, Coupang Play (Korea), JTBC (Korea), Seven Network (Australia), Movistar (Spain), and DAZN across multiple territories.

Streaming Options

  • FOX Sports App: Free with a cable or streaming TV subscription (US)
  • FOX One: FOX’s dedicated streaming platform (US)
  • LIV Golf+: Available at $59.99 annually or $6.99 per event
  • Coupang Play: Streaming access in South Korea
  • TNT Sports / discovery+: UK and Ireland streaming access
  • Hulu + Live TV / YouTube TV / Sling TV: All carry FOX Sports channels

How Can Fans Attend LIV Golf Korea 2026?

Grounds Tickets give full course access, entry to the Fan Village, and free admission to post-round concerts. Tickets are available at events.livgolf.com/korea.

Ticket Options

Ticket TypeAccessNotes
Grounds PassFull course access, Fan Village, concertsBest option for general fans
Premium HospitalityPrivate seating, elevated dining, premium fan experienceUpgraded experience for all four days

Additional On-Site Information

  • Fan Village: Golf simulators, food and beverage, merchandise, live entertainment. Included with every Grounds Pass.
  • Shotgun start advantage: All players are on the course simultaneously. Follow your favorite group all day or position yourself at a great hole.
  • Saturday concert: Peggy Gou performs at 6:00 PM KST on May 30, immediately after Round 3. Included with all Saturday ticket purchases.
  • Check livgolf.com for the full list of permitted items before arriving at Asiad Country Club.

Key Storylines to Watch at LIV Golf Korea 2026

This is where the 2026 LIV Golf season enters its most important stretch. Here are the stories to follow closely in Busan.

  • DeChambeau defending in a new city: He won LIV Golf Korea in 2025 at a completely different venue. Asiad is a fresh challenge. But defending champions on form are always dangerous.
  • Jon Rahm closing in on history: Rahm leads the individual standings by more than 300 points. Both he and DeChambeau have two individual wins this season and cannot be knocked out of the top three standings positions. A win in Busan could seal the individual title race early.
  • Korean Golf Club’s home moment: All eyes will be on Byeong Hun An and the all-Korean roster competing in front of their home fans. The home crowd support will be unlike anything this tournament has seen before.
  • 4Aces GC’s team title defence: The 4Aces sit atop the team standings and arrive in Korea as the league’s hottest team. Holding that lead through the final stretch is their mission.
  • The par-3 island green at the sixth hole is set to be the most dramatic spectator hole of the week. A 159-yard downhill shot over water with the tournament on the line will not disappoint.
  • The Peggy Gou factor: LIV Golf events are as much cultural moments as sporting ones. Saturday night in Busan with Peggy Gou performing to thousands of Korean fans is something genuinely special.

Travel, Parking, and Accommodation Guide

Travel to Busan, South Korea

Asiad Country Club is located at 26, Chayang-gil, Ilgwang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea, in the Gijang district on the eastern edge of the city.

Nearest Airports

  • Gimhae International Airport (PUS): The main airport serving Busan, approximately 40 km from Asiad Country Club. Domestic and international connections available.
  • Incheon International Airport (ICN): South Korea’s primary international hub near Seoul. A high-speed KTX train connects Incheon to Busan in approximately two to two and a half hours.

Transportation Options

OptionDetails
Taxi / Rideshare (Kakao T)The most convenient door-to-door option from central Busan. Kakao T is the main rideshare app in Korea.
BusCity buses connect the Gijang area to central Busan. Check local Busan transit for the most current routes.
Rental CarAvailable at Gimhae Airport. Driving in Busan’s city grid is straightforward for most visitors.
KTX TrainHigh-speed rail from Seoul to Busan takes approximately two hours. Book tickets at korail.com.

Accommodation Options

Busan has a wide and well-priced range of accommodation across every budget. Here are the best areas to consider during LIV Golf Korea week.

AreaDistance From VenueNotes
Gijang District5-15 minutesClosest area to Asiad CC. Quieter, more residential feel.
Haeundae Beach20-25 minutesBusan’s most popular area. Excellent hotels and beach access.
Centum City / BEXCO25-30 minutesUpscale area with premium hotel options. Easy transport links.
Seomyeon / Downtown Busan35-40 minutesBusan’s commercial center. High hotel concentration at every price point.

Book accommodation early. Busan is a major tourist city, and LIV Golf Korea will draw international visitors throughout tournament week. Haeundae Beach area fills particularly quickly for major events.

Charity and Community Impact

LIV Golf Korea 2026 delivers more than just world-class golf to Busan. Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon said: “Bringing a global sporting event of this scale to our city reflects Busan’s growing role as an international destination for sport, culture and tourism.”

LIV Golf continues to build on its worldwide popularity in Asia, with LIV Golf Adelaide 2026 setting attendance records earlier this season by drawing more than 115,000 fans over four days. Korea is the next step in that growing Asian footprint.

The economic impact of a $30 million prize fund event arriving in Busan is significant. Hotels, restaurants, and businesses across the city benefit from thousands of international and domestic golf fans throughout the four-day tournament. The multi-year agreement with Asiad Country Club also signals a long-term commitment to developing golf tourism in the Busan and Gijang region.

Final Thoughts

LIV Golf Korea 2026 is not just another stop on the schedule. It is the start of the season’s defining final stretch, at a brand new venue, in one of Asia’s most vibrant cities.

The multi-year commitment to Asiad Country Club confirms Busan is not a one-off destination for LIV Golf. The league is building roots in Korea, and this week is the most important chapter yet in that story.

Jon Rahm is the form player of the 2026 season. Bryson DeChambeau is the defending champion and knows how to win in Korea. Korean Golf Club will have an entire nation behind them in Busan. And Peggy Gou closes Saturday night. May 28 cannot come soon enough.

Key Takeaways

  • LIV Golf Korea 2026 runs May 28-31 at Asiad Country Club in Busan, South Korea, the 8th event on LIV Golf’s 14-stop 2026 global schedule.
  • It is only the second LIV Golf event in Korea. The 2025 debut was held at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon.
  • The total purse is $30 million. The individual winner earns $4 million. The team champion splits $3 million.
  • There is no cut. All 57 players compete across all four rounds of the 72-hole format.
  • The course plays as a par 70 at 7,024 yards, combining the narrow Valley nine and the more open Lake nine at Asiad Country Club.
  • The signature hole is the par-3 sixth, 159 yards downhill to an island green.
  • Bryson DeChambeau is the defending individual and team champion, having won the 2025 edition at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea.
  • Korean Golf Club fields an all-Korean lineup competing on home soil in Busan for the first time in 2026.
  • Global DJ Peggy Gou headlines the Saturday night cultural performance after Round 3 at 6:00 PM KST.
  • US coverage airs on FOX Sports. Korean fans can watch on JTBC Golf and JTBC Sports. UK fans can watch on TNT Sports.

FAQs

What Korean Players Are Competing at LIV Golf Korea 2026?

LIV Golf rebranded the team as Korean Golf Club for 2026, building an all-Korean roster. Captain Byeong Hun An leads the team, joined by Minkyu Kim, Younghan Song, and Danny Lee. Minkyu Kim is a two-time winner of the Korea Open.

How Is LIV Golf Korea Different From a Standard Golf Tournament?

LIV Golf uses a shotgun start, meaning all 57 players tee off simultaneously from different holes. There is no cut, so the full field competes all four days. A team competition runs alongside the individual event every round. Post-round cultural performances, including Peggy Gou’s DJ set on Saturday, are included with ticket purchases

What is the payout for LIV Golf Korea?

The LIV Golf Korea prize purse is split between the individual competition and the team competition. The individual winner earns $4 million, while the winning team shares $3 million among its players.

Is Busan a Good Place to Visit for Golf Fans?

Yes, Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city and one of Asia’s most exciting travel destinations. It sits along a dramatic coastline with beaches, mountains, and a vibrant food and culture scene. Golf fans planning a trip around LIV Golf Korea will find Busan rewarding well beyond the tournament itself.

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