First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, known for thriving in high-level competition, was only moderately motivated by LIV events. He initially joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a lucrative retirement fund. Thus, forfeiting his final contract season is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or repayment of guaranteed salary. Koepka remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation about where Koepka will compete next is rife—whether the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance. This suspension was reduced from a lifetime ban imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. The PGA Tour benefits from welcoming LIV returnees, especially prominent ones. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended after 2022.
Update: It has happened. The news spread swiftly on Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was made possible by the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s 2023 PGA Championship victory, his fifth major, was notably considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp commented, ‘This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and is not a precedent for future cases. Once this door closes, no guarantee such a path will be available.’ This development will impact players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, likely causing unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for leaving LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and a five-year ban from PGA Tour capital participation programs linked to PGA Tour Enterprises investors.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Meanwhile, 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 continues into the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, no general contract extension was announced, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to keep the league’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh: PGA Tour return at 62