First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for another run, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion plans to stay connected with the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives in high-level tournaments, seemed only partially motivated at LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and the desire to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed salary. Koepka, 35, remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour where he could play immediately, perhaps with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, since previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Why be vindictive when reinstating prominent LIV returnees benefits the PGA Tour, the more powerful circuit? This question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka formally applied to reactivate his expired PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing ranks.
Update: It happened exactly like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, teeing off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’, which allows select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. In Koepka’s case, the merit of his sports achievements was considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major winners and Players Champions from the last three years, with the deadline on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This move likely has an impact on players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes concern at LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: he must donate five million dollars to the PGA Tour charity fund, is excluded from the FedEx Cup bonus system in 2026, and banned for five years from the PGA Tour’s equity program funded by investor contributions.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed that he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will remain intact for their fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general