LIV Golf reveal five new high-profile hires

LIV Golf has shown further commitment to the long-term future of its team model with its latest slew of hires.

The Saudi-backed breakaway league has announced the arrival of five new team General Managers before the final regular event of the season this week in Chicago. Executives have been appointed at Legion XIII, Ripper GC, Cleeks GC, Stinger GC and Iron Heads GC to take charge of their team’s daily operations, sponsorships, marketing and player relations.

Jon Rahm’s manager Jeff Koski will now assume the GM role at his team Legion XIII, while the other hires have varying backgrounds – from golf to Esports.

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“Attracting top industry talent not only brings a wealth of business acumen to the table but it is a testament to the long-term growth of LIV Golf,” LIV’s Head of Team Business Operations Katie O’Reilly said.

“We are committed to delivering a never-before-seen, best-in-class product to golf fans. Today’s news is the next step in realising our franchise model. We look forward to watching our new team leaders flourish in our ecosystem, while focused on driving brand equity and franchise value in our 13 properties.”

One of the most intriguing hires is Jonas Martensson – best known as the creator of Minecraft – who will join Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks side.

Elsewhere, former baseball chief Martin E.Kim joins Kevin Na’s Iron Heads, Aussie Nick Adams joins compatriot Cam Smith at Ripper Gc, and ATP Tour executive Richard Glover joins Louis Oosthuizen’s Stinger GC.

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While LIV ramps up its business behind the scenes, there is an uncertain future for some of the players before the 2025 season.

Four players will be relegated after this weekend’s $25million showpiece at Bolingbrook Golf Club, with Scott Vincent, Branden Grace, Kalle Samooja and Kieran Vincent currently occupying the Drop Zone.

And with the contracts of more high-profiles stars also coming to an end, it is believed that Greg Norman and co. will target more players from the PGA Tour in a bid to strengthen his roster during the off-season.

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.