First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aims for a comeback, Charley Hull soon launching on YouTube. 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 winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to a friendly agreement as stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he rarely found at LIV. The 35-year-old had joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure significant retirement funds. Questions remain whether he bought out of his contract or repaid part of his guaranteed fees. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has made Talor Gooch the new captain.
Speculations are rampant about where Koepka will appear next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate playing rights, likely with a penalty fee, while the PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, which has been softened from lifetime bans. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ circle.
Any suspension would expire in August, concluding with the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a new schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, top-tier fields — a perfect timing for his return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome a strong name like Koepka’s.
Jon Rahm expressed confidence about Koepka’s return on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, suggesting he might play selectively in big events. There is hope that the PGA Tour, with Tiger Woods leading the competition committee and player directors, may waive the suspension, backed by Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for immediate play.
Update: News spread quickly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines late January, with his participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale confirmed. This is enabled by the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially the 2023 PGA Championship, were decisive. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this is a unique, defined opportunity without precedent, expiring February 2, providing no guarantee for future cases. This development likely unsettles players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and creates unease in the LIV Golf League. Koepka must pay $5 million into a PGA Tour charity, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and barred from capital participation programs tied to PGA Tour Enterprises for five years.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue into the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, no general contract extension was announced, sparking