First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants another go, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a fierce competitor who thrives in top-level competition, something he found only limited on LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries and the prospect of securing a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the last contractually required season raises questions: Did he have to buy out his contract or return part of the guaranteed money? Does he remain the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has made Talor Gooch captain?
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka might join next. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, perhaps with a penalty. The PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event due to softened lifetime bans, is another possibility. Why hold grudges when returning LIV players benefit the stronger PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka submitted a formal application last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.
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Koepka’s suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. He would then be eligible for the 2027 season, ideally timed with PGA Tour Enterprises’ new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million events with limited top-tier fields—perfect for Koepka’s competitive style. PGA Tour investors would likely welcome such a high-profile name.
Jon Rahm recently said in the “Subpar” podcast, \”He might take some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or is invited, he’ll play those too.\” The Tiger Woods-led competition committee and player directors, including Rory McIlroy who supports Koepka’s return, could waive his suspension. These views align with a majority of fans, according to a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
Update: The anticipated waiver happened quickly. News spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, starting with the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is confirmed. This is possible thanks to a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the