First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This amicable decision was confirmed by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, something he lacked in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. It is therefore not surprising he forgoes the last contracted season, though questions remain about contract buyouts and his ownership in LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will frequent next. The DP World Tour grants him immediate playing eligibility, likely subject to penalties. The PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, but lifetime bans from former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. The crucial question seems partially answered: according to ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing field.
Any 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 to play in 2027, when the PGA Tour plans to introduce a condensed schedule of roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect time for his comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome a prominent name returning.
\”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” Jon Rahm said recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll likely play at least a minimum, the big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies for top events or can compete in them, he would play those as well.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour will show leniency given Koepka’s five major titles, with the player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods having influence, reportedly aligned with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s immediate return. This view appears shared by a majority of fans in a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
Update: The anticipated leniency came true: news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete 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 newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the 2026