First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains linked to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This amicable decision was confirmed by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives in top-level contests, something the LIV Tour could not consistently provide. In 2022, Koepka had joined LIV mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. The waiver of his final contractual play season is thus unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial repayments. He also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations flourish about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour where he would be eligible immediately, maybe after a penalty payment? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV participation, after previously imposed lifetime bans by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened? It appears the crucial question is partly answered: According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, seeking to rejoin the player ranks.
Potential suspension would end in August. Though that coincides with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly. It would also please the investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new premier league’s operators, to have another major star onboard.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably at least play the minimum and likely the big events he likes. If he qualifies or is eligible for big tournaments, he’d play those too.\” Perhaps the PGA Tour in Ponte Vedra Beach will be lenient toward a five-time major champion—decision power lies with the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who reportedly support Rory McIlroy’s suggestion to let Koepka play again. Majority fan support was also noted in a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine poll.
Update:Â As rumored, Brooks Koepka is immediately reinstated as PGA Tour member and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed. This is made possible by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Participation for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continues unchanged into the