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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to official statements from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in top-level sports challenges, something he found limited in LIV. In 2022, he joined LIV mainly due to concerns about injuries ending his career early and to secure a solid retirement fund. This explains his opting out of the final contract year, although questions remain about potential buyouts or repayments. He also remains the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation grows about which fairways Koepka will play next. He would be immediately eligible on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he would need to serve a one-year suspension post his last LIV event, as former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened earlier lifetime bans. Allowing a prominent LIV returnee to reintegrate benefits the stronger PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that last Friday, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player roster after 2022’s expiration.
Update: \”And perhaps an eye is turned to a five-time major champion in Ponte Vedra Beach\” — exactly so. News quickly spread 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, with participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona already confirmed. This was enabled by a newly introduced rule named the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension.
A potential suspension would have ended in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule compressing around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields, perfect timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would likely welcome another big name joining the top league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He will probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is invited to top events, he will play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods–led competition committee, along with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play, hold influence over suspensions. A majority of fans likely agree, as a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine suggests.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in