First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in contention, and Charley Hull soon launching a YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s friendly official statement. Koepka, known for thriving in top-level competition, showed limited motivation in LIV and joined largely due to injury concerns and securing retirement funds. Questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments and whether he stays owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation surges on where Koepka will next appear: DP World Tour, possibly paying a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV participation, now softened from lifetime bans. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin competition after 2022 non-renewal.
A potential ban would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale Tour Championship, but Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule emphasizing high-value, limited-field events—an ideal comeback moment. This move likely pleases PGA Tour Enterprises investors who would welcome a major name.
Jon Rahm recently podcasted he expects Koepka to return, at least playing selected top tournaments he enjoys. PGA Tour’s decision-makers, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may be lenient, aligned with Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to reinstate Koepka.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour, confirmed Monday evening local time, with participation in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale confirmed.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\” established last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship title, were key.
The PGA Tour states this one-time opportunity applies to major winners and Players champions from the last three years and expires February 2, with no future guarantees, per CEO Brian Rolapp. This development may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and cause unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties for LIV participation include a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour Enterprises capital participation.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will play in the 2026 LIV Golf season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains intact. However, no general contract extension was announced, sparking speculation on behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain LIV’s most marketable