First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of 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, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. His 2022 move to LIV was driven by injury concerns and the desire to secure a substantial retirement fund. Questions remain about whether he had to buy out his final contracted season or repay part of his guaranteed salary. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation continues about which tour Koepka will next play on: the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance. However, longtime PGA suspensions have recently been softened. ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach confirmed Koepka submitted a formal application last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and return to the player circle.
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His suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s upcoming schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—the perfect comeback timing for Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently commented in the “Subpar” podcast, \”He may need time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play the minimum and tournaments he likes, big ones. If he qualifies for high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” There’s a possibility the PGA Tour will be lenient with this five-time major winner. The decision involves the board, player representatives, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods and aligns with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately. A majority of fans appear supportive according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” poll.
Update: The rumored leniency came true quickly: Koepka is now immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, also confirmed. This is enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in LIV Golf in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will