First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was a mutual friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition and motivation, which he only partially found at LIV. He switched to the Saudi circuit in 2022 fearing an early end to his career due to injuries and aimed to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season is therefore not surprising, although questions remain about any buyout or partial repayment. The 35-year-old remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation swirls about where Koepka will compete next. The DP World Tour offers immediate eligibility, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan eased lifelong bans. Returning to the PGA Tour suits Koepka and the tour alike, especially with the recent introduction of the “Returning Member Program” allowing select LIV players to rejoin without suspension. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
The suspension would expire in August, near the end of the 2026 season with the Tour Championship. This timing aligns perfectly for Koepka to re-enter in 2027, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields — ideal for a competitive return and appealing to investors backing the Tour’s new 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’ll probably at least play the minimum, and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies for or gets into more high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over suspensions and reportedly follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play. A majority of fans seem in favor, as indicated by a non-representative survey from Bunkered magazine.
Update: As speculated, Koepka was granted immediate eligibility 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 became possible through the newly established “Returning Member Program,” which allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without serving a suspension.
DeChambeau Confirmed for LIV Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III,