First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competitor circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives in top-level contests, which he had limited motivation for in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 amid injury concerns contemplating early retirement and sought a solid financial retirement fund. Thus, opting out of the last contractually required season isn’t surprising, though questions remain regarding any buyout or partial repayment of guaranteed money. He is still the owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation flourishes about which fairways Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance after previous lifetime bans were significantly reduced. Why be vengeful when LIV returnees, especially high-profile ones, benefit the stronger tour? This crucial question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to rejoin the player pool.
Update: It has happened. News spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is eligible to compete on the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour’s statement says this special regulation applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the past three years. The deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future situations,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this door closes, there is no guarantee this path will be available again.\” This likely makes Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith take notice, and causes unease in the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for crossing over to LIV is relatively mild. He must donate five million dollars to the PGA Tour charity fund, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and barred for five years from the PGA Tour’s equity participation program linked to PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 202