First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another go, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor motivated by high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury concerns and the desire to secure a solid retirement fund, so the waiver of his final contractual playing season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or refunded guarantees. He remains an owner of LIV’s Smash GC team, with Talor Gooch appointed the new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next play—on the DP World Tour, where he is eligible to play immediately, possibly with a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following significant softening of former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a big name like Koepka, benefits the PGA Tour’s interests? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been extended since 2022, to rejoin the playing field.
Update: It happened as expected. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the recently created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s notable achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and sets no precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This is likely causing thoughts among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and unease within the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild. He must donate five million dollars 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 for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue into the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leading to speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to avoid losing LIV’s