First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh is back on the PGA Tour at 62, and Charley Hull soon launching her own YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitive type who thrives on high-level competition, which was somewhat lacking at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement package. Thus, skipping the final contractual season doesn’t come as a surprise, though questions remain about potential buyouts or partial refunding of guaranteed payments. At 35, he remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch newly appointed captain.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate playing rights, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance. This suspension was significantly softened from a previously lifetime ban by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when an esteemed LIV returnee benefits the dominant PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not renew after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Update: The news quickly spread Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour 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 in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was made possible by the recently introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to reinstate PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated the special condition applies to major winners and Players champions of the last three years, with the opportunity ending February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a one-time chance, not setting precedent. This development could influence other players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, while 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 system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue in the fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a contract extension, suggesting behind-the-scenes negotiations to retain this prominent LIV figure after Koepka’s departure.