First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants another shot, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in top-level tournaments, was only moderately engaged at LIV, having initially joined in 2022 largely due to injury concerns and securing a retirement payout. Questions remain about whether he had to buy out of his contract or return part of his guaranteed salary, and if he still retains ownership in LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife regarding which fairways Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly relaxed. Why be vindictive when any prominent LIV returnee benefits the longer-established tour? This key question seems partly answered as ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed post-2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s conclusion at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with elite limited fields. An ideal timing for his comeback, fitting Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new top league would welcome another prominent name.
“He might need some time, but I believe he will return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum and why not the big tournaments he likes? If he qualifies or gets invites for big events, he’ll play those as well.\” Possibly the PGA Tour might ease Koepka’s suspension, as Tiger Woods’ led competition committee and player directors including Rory McIlroy support allowing Koepka to play immediately. A majority of fans seem to agree too, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine survey.
Update: \”And maybe one eye is closed for a five-time major winner in Ponte Vedra Beach\” – exactly as it happened. The news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible again for the PGA Tour and is set to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the surprising \”Returning Member Program,\” which allows select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team