First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, and Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected: Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was amicably agreed upon according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives in high-level competition, was less motivated at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury setbacks and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Given this, his skipping the contractually final season is unsurprising, although questions remain about any buyout or payback. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, recently captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation arises about where Koepka will play next. On the DP World Tour, where he would be eligible immediately—possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he would serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following the significant reduction of lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? The key question appears partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, not extended post-2022, to rejoin the player pool.
Update: This exactly happened. On 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 late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” introduced last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as a fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour’s statement says the special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners in the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely impacts Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and causes concern within LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for leaving LIV is mild: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour’s equity programs linked to PGA Tour Enterprises.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri enters its fifth season unchanged. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation about negotiations behind the scenes to retain him after Koepka’s departure.