First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he scarcely found at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and securing a solid retirement fund, his skipping the last contract year raises questions about possible payouts or buyouts and whether he retains ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows on which tours Koepka will next appear. He would be immediately eligible to play on the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty fee, or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event. After former commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans, it seems pragmatism prevails as the PGA Tour welcomes LIV returnees, especially high-profile players. According to ESPN reporter Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, aligning perfectly with the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence that Koepka will return, likely playing select big events. The PGA Tour’s player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over any suspension decisions, reportedly supporting Koepka’s immediate return following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: The news just broke Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without penalty. Koepka’s recent merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major and Players champions from the last three years and is a one-time opportunity closing February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this does not set a precedent and future availability is not guaranteed. This decision impacts other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties for defecting to LIV are mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and five years without equity participation in PGA Tour Enterprises.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League’s fifth season in 2026