First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch YouTube channel soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was less motivated in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a strong retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or repay guaranteed money. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play—immediately eligible on the DP World Tour perhaps with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, reduced from the lifetime bans initially imposed under Commissioner Jay Monahan. The key question seems partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to rejoin the player pool.
An anticipated suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season’s conclusion. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields—perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another major star.
Jon Rahm recently said on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might take some time but will likely return to the PGA Tour, playing at least the minimum, focusing on tournaments he prefers and major events. Those controlling suspensions include the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee; Rory McIlroy has voiced support for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: On Monday evening local time, news rapidly spread that Koepka is reinstated immediately on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. Participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is confirmed. This is possible due to a new \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially the 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major, were considered. The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this is a one-time opportunity, not precedent-setting. This likely causes reflection among Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, unsettling LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for crossing to LIV is mild: a $5 million charity payment, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour Enterprises equity programs.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed participation in LIV Golf for 2026