First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected with the competing circuit but needs more family time. This amicable agreement was stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, showed limited motivation at LIV. He had initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a retirement fund. The decision to skip the last contract year is not surprising, though questions arise about buyouts and guarantees. Koepka remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation grows about which tour Koepka will appear on next — the DP World Tour where he’s immediately eligible albeit probably with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension post-LIV after lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. After ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players.
The suspension would end in August; the 2026 PGA Tour season concludes with the Tour Championship by then. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the revamped PGA Tour schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited elite fields — an ideal comeback timing. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would likely welcome a star like him.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the podcast \”Subpar.\” \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, focusing on majors and tournaments he enjoys. If qualified or invited to top events, he’d play those too.\” It’s possible the PGA Tour might be lenient with Koepka’s suspension, influenced by player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately. A non-representative fan survey by \”Bunkered\” shows majority support for his return.
Update: Leniency came true: Koepka was immediately reinstated for the PGA Tour, confirmed to start at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and also at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This was enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue unchanged into the fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not publicly extended his general contract, sparking speculation about negotiations behind the scenes to retain LIV’s most marketable star following Koepka’s exit.