First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn for the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests but was less motivated in LIV. Having joined in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund, it is not surprising he skips the final contractual season. Questions remain whether he bought out his contract or repaid part of his guaranteed salary. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will next compete — on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty; or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, now reignited by a softened stance on prior lifetime bans. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported 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 Tour Championship. However, Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — an ideal comeback opportunity. Jon Rahm recently said on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might need time but likely will return to the PGA Tour, playing his preferred major events. The PGA Tour’s board, player representatives, and competition committee led by Tiger Woods could grant leniency for a five-time major champion, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate him immediately.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible again on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines, also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially winning the 2023 PGA Championship, were key considerations.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners of the past three years and expires February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity with no guarantee of recurrence. This decision sparks thought among other players and unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka will contribute $5 million to the PGA Tour charity fund and is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue into the fifth season.