First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor at the highest level, was less motivated during his time at LIV. He primarily joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a lucrative retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season raises questions about financial settlements and his ownership of LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
The big question remains where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately, likely with a penalty payment, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance after life bans were significantly reduced. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed post-2022, seeking readmission.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka could compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited top fields—a perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would surely welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile events, he would play those too.\” It’s also likely that the Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee will show leniency; Rory McIlroy has recommended Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans tend to agree, according to a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
Update: The speculation became reality as Koepka was granted immediate PGA Tour eligibility and is set to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This was made possible by a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially announced he will compete again in the 2026 LIV Golf season. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will