First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially 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 family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives in high-level competition, has been less motivated at LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career end and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain, such as whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed fee. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations arise about which fairways Koepka will soon appear on – the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible to play immediately, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension has been served since his last LIV participation after former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were substantially relaxed. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the tour with stronger leverage? This crucial question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership not extended after 2022 and be reinstated as a player.
Update: It happened just like that. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is 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 at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed. This is enabled by a new rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered. The PGA Tour statement says the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, expiring February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely gives Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith pause and causes unease in the LIV Golf League. Koepka’s penalty for switching to LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and five years from the PGA Tour Enterprises capital program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will remain unchanged entering the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, leaving room for speculation on behind-the-scenes agreements following Koepka’s departure.