First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which LIV did not fully provide. He joined LIV in 2022 largely due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, although questions remain about buyouts or refunds. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation grows on where Koepka will next compete—DP World Tour, where he would be eligible, possibly with a penalty; or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV start—though lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly relaxed. Returning LIV players, especially those of Koepka’s stature, benefit the PGA Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player roster.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s compressed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million events with limited, top-tier fields—a perfect comeback moment. This move would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely overseeing the new top league.
Jon Rahm recently commented in the ‘Subpar’ podcast that Koepka might need time but is expected to return to the PGA Tour, playing minimum events initially and then the big tournaments he prefers. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold input on suspensions; Rory McIlroy recommends lifting Koepka’s ban.
Update: It happened as predicted: News spread Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will start at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the recently created ‘Returning Member Program,’ allowing selected LIV players to rejoin PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably the 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered. The PGA Tour states the special rule covers major and Players winners from the past three years and expires February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp called it a one-time opportunity with no guarantee of future availability. This sets a precedent that may concern other LIV players and leagues.
Koepka’s penalty for joining 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’s capital investment program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the