First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. The LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this was a mutual agreement. However, Koepka, a competitor fueled by high-level challenges, showed limited motivation in LIV, having switched in 2022 mainly to secure his retirement funds due to injuries. Questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or reimburse part of his guaranteed earnings. The 35-year-old still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound about which tours Koepka will play on next. The DP World Tour could grant immediate eligibility, likely with penalties, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV participation, after previous lifetime bans were softened. The key question seems partly answered: according to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally requested last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to rejoin the players’ ranks.
Any potential 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 for 2027, when the PGA Tour plans a new schedule with about two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited fields with top players. This timing suits Koepka perfectly, and PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a prominent name.
Jon Rahm recently stated on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. I imagine he’ll at least play the minimum and focus on the big events he likes. If he qualifies or gets invited to top tournaments, he’ll play those too.\” There is speculation that the PGA Tour might waive some suspension rules for Koepka, considering player directors and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods also have a say, following Rory McIlroy’s suggestion to allow Koepka’s return. A non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” indicates most fans support this.
Update: The speculation was confirmed as news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed. This was made possible by the recently introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anir