First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is returning, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was agreed amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in high-level competition, something he found somewhat limited at LIV. After switching to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure solid retirement funding, his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed money? Is he still an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, who already named Talor Gooch as captain?
Speculations are rife about where Koepka will next appear. The DP World Tour could grant him immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty. Or the PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, after lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Why seek revenge when every returning LIV player ultimately benefits the established, stronger tour? This key question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership that was not renewed after 2022 to rejoin the playing field.
Update: It has happened: On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible again for PGA Tour play and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open end of January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
Made possible by a new rule called the ‘Returning Member Program’ created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players back on the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as a fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. ‘This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases,’ said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. ‘Once this door closes, no guarantee it will reopen.’ This may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and cause unease at LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for crossing to LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program that involves investor contributions.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will remain unchanged for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambe