‘Several’ players in talks over LIV Golf switch following Ryder Cup drama

LIV Golf star Martin Kaymer claims players are ‘in talks’ to join the Saudi-backed league days after the conclusion of the Ryder Cup

Martin Kaymer of Cleeks Golf Club

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Martin Kaymer of Cleeks Golf Club(Image: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

LIV Golf star Martin Kaymer has revealed that he is holding talks with several DP World Tour players about potentially switching to the Saudi-backed circuit. Kaymer joined LIV in 2022 and was among a host of high-profile stars from the sport to join the league backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

Kaymer won two major championships across his career and is now the captain of Cleeks Golf Club in LIV. Cleeks finished 11th in the overall standings in 2024 and bottom of the overall rankings this season.

This year saw Kaymer joined by Richard Bland, Frederik Kjettrup and Adrian Meronk on the Cleeks team. Kjettrup’s performance has resulted in his relegation from the league, meaning Cleeks and Kaymer will need to recruit a replacement for the 2026 season.

Kaymer, a former World No.1 and US Open Champion, has now provided insight into the process of recruiting more players to join LIV ahead of 2026. The update comes just days after Team Europe claimed a 15-13 win over Team USA at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

“We are already on the case talking to several players,” Kaymer said in an interview with Bunkered. “We have had a lot of interest which is a great thing.”

“We have a lot of interest from the European Tour,” Kaymer added. “Guys who were finishing top-10 in Ireland [last month]. I have had calls from managers, they wanted to talk. There is a lot of interest.”

Kaymer explained why money can no longer be the only motivation to join LIV from next season onwards.

The 2010 PGA Championship winner, who got just two top-10 finishes this year, went on provide insight into the ‘changes’ that need to be made ahead of the new season.

Shane Lowry (R) led Team Europe's celebrations after their Ryder Cup victory

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Shane Lowry led Team Europe’s celebrations after their dramatic Ryder Cup victory at the weekend(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“People are just thinking about the rumours of millions of dollars left, right and centre,” said Kaymer. “We are not that kind of team. Of course, you get paid well if you play well, but not just because you put a signature on a contract.

“Our team should be on performance, and that is something we are lacking massively. This is something we need to change, and we need to find people who are willing to work hard and can inspire each other on the team.

“Not only come here just for a big paycheck, and LIV are not going to do that anymore. They are done with those big paychecks.

“With every new-starter you invest at the get-go, but once you establish yourself, they don’t need it anymore.”