First start already at Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time.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 a friendly agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives at the highest level, showed limited motivation at LIV. He had mainly joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Hence, missing the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out part of his guaranteed pay or if he still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will compete next. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly paying a penalty, or he might return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, as the life bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a big name, benefits the stronger PGA Tour? According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and be reinstated as a player.
An eventual suspension would run out in August. Though the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship Aug 27-30, Koepka would be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its compressed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited top fields—perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome such a star addition.
\”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently in the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not play the tournaments he likes, especially the big ones. If he qualifies for the high-profile events or gets invites, he’ll play those too.\” Moreover, the rules committee led by Tiger Woods and PGA Tour player directors, along with majority fan support, seem open to waiving restrictions for the five-time major winner, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play immediately.
Update: The news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on 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 in Arizona. This was enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will play in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will enter their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, fueling speculation about secret agreements to retain the