Who could sign for LIV in 2024?

As the global golf landscape continues to evolve, the 2024 LIV Golf season promises to bring further change.  Phil Mickelson suggested recently that there were more players wanting to join LIV than there were places available and whilst Phil has been known to over egg the pudding, the truce with the PGA Tour perhaps makes joining LIV more of an acceptable proposition for a number of players.

We've identified seven players who, amidst career recalibrations and financial incentives, might find their new home with LIV Golf.  None of the players mentioned below have signed a deal with the Tiger Woods driven TGL and they may consider themselves on the outside looking in on the PGA Tour.

1. Hideki Matsuyama.  With a Masters victory cementing his place in golf history, Hideki Matsuyama’s global appeal is without question.  That win at Augusta provides him with exemptions into the majors for the foreseeable future and with injury problems seemingly taking a greater toll on him in recent times, a switch to LIV could become increasingly attractive.  The Japanese star’s precision play and ability to perform under pressure could make him a central figure in LIV's 2024 campaign.

2. Daniel Berger. With multiple PGA Tour victories, Berger would certainly improve the roster if he was able to get back to anything near his previous form and fitness levels.  Berger was a member of the victorious American 2021 Ryder Cup team and it won't have passed him by that Brooks Koepka joined LIV as a result of concerns that his injuries may never let him return to the top of the game.  A reduced schedule and a guaranteed cheques may appeal to Berger right now.

3. Harris English.  After reinvigorating his career with a return to the winner's circle in 2020, Harris English has re-established himself as a steadfast competitor on tour.  Like Berger, English was a member of that 2021 Ryder Cup team and has had his injury problems. Only 34 years old, he is coming into his best years and would be a good addition to the LIV roster.

4. Aaron Wise.  The young and talented Aaron Wise, with his aggressive play style, represents the next generation of golfers.  He missed the Masters this year due to mental health issues and has only played a handful of times since.  A team environment may well be beneficial and it would be easy to see him slotting into a team of young American players. It's unlikely we'll see Wise drafted as a replacement for Matt Wolff on Team Smash though, captain Brooks Koepka seemed particularly unconcerned with Wolff's off course issues so Wise may be better suited joining a less demanding captain. 

5. Brian Harman.  Lefty Brian Harman might want to cash in on this year's Open Championship win with a switch to LIV.  The 36 year old has five years of major exemptions in the bank and his stock will never be higher in terms of a signing on bonus for joining the Saudi backed league.  He could well follow the 2022 Open Championship winner, Cam Smith, onto the LIV circuit.

6. Jason Day.  The former World No. 1, Jason Day’s journey has been marked by incredible highs and challenging lows. Day brings a wealth of experience and a compelling backstory and would make a fine addition to the Rippers given they need a replacement for Jed Morgan.  It was a surprise that Day wasn't one of the players included in the TGL roster given his friendship with Tiger Woods and that leaves him open to a switch to LIV.

7. Gary Woodland.  Rounding up the list is the 2019 U.S. Open champion, Gary Woodland. Known for his powerful ball-striking, Woodland has suffered injury problems of late which could . His US Open win in 2019 means that he still has exemptions to the majors through 2024 and a change of scenery might well do him some good.  

Recent news suggests Jon Rahm and even Patrick Cantlay are possible additions too.  Rahm would be a huge capture for the circuit and would likely form a formidable Spanish team with Sergio Garcia, Eugenio Chacarra and David Puig. Clearly there are a number of options open to LIV at this point, a move for Rahm and Cantlay clearly being the preferred recruits given their world rankings.  However, there are plenty of other intriguing options which would enhance the overall standard.

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