Ryder Cup hero and LIV Golf player Martin Kaymer has revealed he’s in talks with several players following Team Europe’s thrilling victory over Team USA at Bethpage Black. The three-time Ryder Cup winner for Europe, who switched to the Saudi-funded LIV circuit in 2022, is currently discussing a potential move with multiple DP World Tour players. Kaymer, who now captains Cleeks Golf Club within LIV, was among a group of high-profile golf figures who joined the league, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Despite Cleeks finishing 11th overall in 2024, they fell to last place in this season’s rankings, with Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII taking the top spot. This year saw Kaymer team up with Richard Bland, Frederik Kjettrup, and Adrian Meronk on the Cleeks roster. However, Kjettrup’s poor performance resulted in his relegation from the league, prompting Cleeks and Kaymer to search for a new team-mate for the 2026 campaign.
The former World No. 1 and US Open champion has now shed light on the recruitment process for attracting more players to LIV ahead of 2026. This news comes hot on the heels of Team Europe’s nail-biting 15-13 win over Team USA at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage.
“We are already on the case talking to several players,” Kaymer revealed 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. 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 monetary incentives alone will no longer act as the main attraction for joining LIV from next season onwards.
The 2010 PGA Championship winner, who secured just two top-10 finishes this year, then provided insight into the “adjustments” needed ahead of the forthcoming campaign.
“People are just thinking about the rumours of millions of dollars left, right and centre,” Kaymer continued. “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.”
Kaymer also stated that the era when the Saudi-backed circuit was renowned for the enormous financial rewards that accompany signing with LIV has ended.
“Not only come here just for a big paycheque, and LIV are not going to do that anymore,” the German observed. “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.”
