First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for another run, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives in top-level competition, was less motivated at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contractual season raises questions: did he buy out the contract or refund part of the guaranteed salary? He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which named Talor Gooch captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will next compete: the DP World Tour, where he’d be immediately eligible—possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, though previous lifetime bans have been softened. Returning LIV players are now welcomed back by the dominant PGA Tour. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027’s new PGA Tour schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—a perfect re-entry moment, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a high-profile name like his.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least the minimum and the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for or can play in top events, he will.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee may grant leniency on Koepka’s suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for immediate reinstatement. A majority of fans agree, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine poll.
Update: \”And perhaps the five-time major winner was granted leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach\”—this happened. News quickly spread that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This is possible due to the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey