First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh wants to compete again; Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season, which starts on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to a friendly agreement stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a fierce competitor who thrives on top-level competition, was somewhat unmotivated in LIV and originally joined in 2022 mainly to secure a substantial retirement payout due to injury concerns.
Speculations are rife about which tours Koepka will compete on next. He could play immediately on the DP World Tour, likely facing a fine, or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance. Former lifetime bans were softened by Commissioner Jay Monahan. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player roster.
An eventual suspension would expire in August 2026, coinciding with the PGA Tour Championship. Koepka could be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields—an ideal moment for his comeback. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence that Koepka will return, likely playing select big events. Rory McIlroy has also recommended allowing Koepka immediate play, with Tiger Woods leading the competition committee that has influence over suspensions.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for PGA Tour play and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This was enabled by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to resume PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors.
The PGA Tour’s statement emphasized the special provision applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, expiring on February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp noted this as a one-time opportunity without precedent. This decision may impact players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties include a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf season. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue unchanged into their fifth season. However, no general contract extension was announced, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s exit.