First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, and 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is known as a fierce competitor who thrives in top-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His skipping the last required playing year raises questions about possible buyouts or paybacks. He still owns his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour with immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension post-LIV participation, reduced from a lifetime ban. The key question partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally requested reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
His potential suspension expires in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—ideal for his return. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome a name of his caliber.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing selective big tournaments. The competition committee led by Tiger Woods, alongside tour board and player directors, may grant leniency, echoing Rory McIlroy’s favor to reinstate Koepka without delay.
Update: It happened: On Monday evening, it was confirmed Koepka regained immediate PGA Tour eligibility, with planned starts at the Farmers Insurance Open and Phoenix Open. The new \”Returning Member Program\” allows select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension, acknowledging Koepka’s recent merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship win.
The PGA Tour stated that this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years and expires February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp called it a one-time opportunity, not a precedent. The ruling unsettles LIV Golf and concerns other players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
Koepka’s penalties include a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from 2026 FedEx Cup bonuses, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour equity programs.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season, leading the Crushers alongside Charles Howell III, Paul Casey,