First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the LIV Golf League season 2026 which starts February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil, agreed amicably. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he rarely found in LIV. When he joined in 2022, it was mainly due to injuries threatening his career, aiming to secure a good retirement fund. So foregoing the final contract year is not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or partial repayment of guaranteed earnings. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation swirls about where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, likely with penalties, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, reduced significantly from a lifetime ban. The PGA Tour seems open to accommodating returning LIV players, especially prominent ones like Koepka. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and return to the players’ circle.
His suspension would expire in August, with the 2026 season ending at the Tour Championship that same month. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20 million events with limited star-studded fields, ideal for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a marquee name like Koepka joining the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return on the podcast \”Subpar,\” noting he might play a minimum schedule focusing on big events. Furthermore, the PGA Tour’s player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence on suspensions and reportedly support Koepka’s immediate return, aligning with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation. A non-representative fan survey by \”Bunkered\” also showed majority support.
Update: \”And perhaps they will overlook a five-time major winner in Ponte Vedra Beach\” – exactly that happened. News spread quickly that Koepka is now immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed. This became possible through the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Return in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will remain intact for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at retaining LIV’s biggest star after Koepka