LIV Golf kicks off the 2026 season with a revamped format, fresh transfers, and clear statements from top players.
At the start of the new LIV Golf League season, the main topic was quickly clear: Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour after three and a half years despite an ongoing contract, thanks to the new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to return. This program applies only to players who won a Major or the Players Championship between 2022 and 2025. Besides Koepka, only Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith meet these criteria, leading to intense media interest at the captains’ press conference in Florida.
DeChambeau responded briefly: \”I’m contracted until 2026, so I’m looking forward to this year.\” Rahm expressed a similar tone: \”I have no plans to go anywhere. So a very similar response to Bryson. I wish Brooks the best.\” Smith was even more direct: \”I know I’m staying. I’m here to support LIV. I’m happy where I am.\” Phil Mickelson personally commented on Koepka’s decision: \”Brooks is a friend. I support whatever he thinks is right for himself and his family.\” Thus, Koepka remains the only player currently using the new return path, while LIV Golf enters the 2026 season with its best-known names.
New Players, New Structure: LIV Golf Teams Take Shape
Aside from the Koepka debate, LIV Golf focused on team rosters during the transfer window. Two new signings are officially confirmed: Victor Perez joins the Cleeks, replacing Frederik Kjettrup, while Laurie Canter takes Henrik Stenson’s place with the Majesticks. Cleeks captain Martin Kaymer described the process: \”We worked with a statistics team and then looked at personality fit. Victor was athletically at a high level and wanted this challenge.\