First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was mutually agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and the opportunity for a substantial retirement fund. Thus, his skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about buyouts or salary repayments. He remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, who have appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation surrounds where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he could play immediately (possibly with a penalty), or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, following a major softening of the previously lifetime ban by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why hold grudges, as every LIV returnee benefits the stronger PGA Tour? Partially answered, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after 2022.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension, considering Koepka’s recent sporting merits including his 2023 PGA Championship win. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this is a one-time opportunity ending February 2, not setting precedent. Koepka’s penalty includes a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program.
Koepka’s PGA Tour Membership Renewed
Koepka’s potential suspension ends in August 2026, coinciding with the Tour Championship’s season close. He would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule with premier limited fields—ideal timing for a return. Jon Rahm recently predicted Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, playing select big events. The player board and Tiger Woods-led competition committee likely influenced this decision, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League 2026 season with his Crushers team including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri. However, no general contract extension was announced, raising questions on behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain top LIV talent following Koepka’s exit.
Other Notable Golf News
Veteran Vijay Singh, 62, plans a PGA Tour return