LIV Golf: Major Winner WD Fuels Speculation

J.J. Spaun’s Withdrawal Sparks LIV Golf speculation

Amidst ongoing player movement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, the unexpected withdrawal of 2025 U.S.Open champion J.J. spaun from the WM Phoenix Open has ignited speculation about a potential move to the Saudi-backed circuit.

The golf world was surprised on Wednesday, February 5, 2026, when the PGA Tour’s official communications team announced Spaun’s withdrawal from the $9.6 million tournament at TPC Scottsdale. No reason was provided for his absence, and he has been replaced in the field by Marcelo Rozo.

– PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) February 5, 2026

This sudden decision has fueled rumors, especially on social media platform X, that Spaun may be in discussions with LIV Golf about joining Dustin johnson’s 4 Aces team as a replacement for Patrick Reed. Reed recently returned to the PGA Tour, citing a desire to be a “traditionalist at heart” after failing to reach a contract extension with LIV Golf.

The shifting landscape of professional golf has seen several high-profile players defect to LIV Golf, including Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Joaquin Niemann, and Jon Rahm, despite initial public commitments to remain with the PGA Tour. The departure of Reed last month further intensified the competition for talent. LIV Golf has yet to officially announce a replacement for Reed.

Did you know? – Patrick Reed’s return to the PGA Tour marks a reversal of course for a player who previously publicly criticized the tour’s structure and embraced LIV Golf’s format.

Despite the swirling speculation, a recent statement from Spaun suggests a continued commitment to the PGA tour. just last week, he described the American circuit as the “best, most competitive tour in the world.” However, as history has shown, such declarations are not always definitive in the current climate.

“I think Patrick will be a good asset to this Tour and I think it just speaks volumes to where the Tour’s headed,” Spaun told reporters at Torrey Pines. “I think to add even more competition for us that have been hear while they left, and, you know, adding Brooks and Patrick now, it’s just strengthening our Tour, which I think is great.”

LIV Golf commenced its 2026 season this week in Riyadh, but their off-season recruitment efforts proved largely unsuccessful in attracting a major star. Reports indicate that LIV Golf aggressively pursued a number of players, including Trili, Akshay Bhatia, Marco Money, Aldrich Potgieter, Angel Ayora, Max Greyserman, Ryan Gerard, and Daniel Berger. Ultimately, they secured the signings of five players, with Belgium’s Thomas Detry representing their most significant addition.

Pro tip – Following player movement in professional golf requires careful attention to both official announcements and subtle cues, like tournament withdrawals, as motivations can be complex.

Detry will team up with compatriot Thomas Pieters on Johnson’s squad, while Victor Perez, Elvis Smylie, laurie Canter, and Ben An complete the list of new LIV Golf recruits.The continued pursuit of top PGA Tour talent underscores LIV Golf’s ambition to establish itself as a premier golf league, despite facing ongoing challenges in attracting established stars.

Reader question – Do you think the financial incentives offered by LIV Golf are the primary driver for players switching tours, or are other factors at play?

Why, Who, What, and How did it end?

Why: The article centers on speculation surrounding J.J. Spaun possibly joining LIV Golf following his unexpected withdrawal from the WM Phoenix Open. This speculation is fueled by the ongoing player movement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, and the recent return of Patrick Reed to the PGA Tour, creating a vacancy on Dustin Johnson’s 4 Aces team.

Who: