First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back on PGA Tour, Charley Hull launching YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion plans to remain connected to the rival circuit but cited needing more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. Koepka, known for his competitive nature at the highest level, was less motivated in LIV, having joined in 2022 facing injury concerns and seeking financial security before retirement. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or refund part of his guaranteed salary, and if he still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation continues about which tour Koepka will compete on next. The DP World Tour would allow immediate play, possibly with penalties, while the PGA Tour has a one-year suspension in effect after his last LIV event, following softened lifetime bans. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally requested reinstatement to PGA Tour membership last Friday after not renewing post-2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 Tour Championship conclusion. Koepka would be eligible to compete in the 2027 season, which features a revised schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments and limited fields. This timing suits Koepka perfectly and would also please PGA Tour Enterprises investors backing the new elite league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, predicting he might start with minimal events and focus on major tournaments. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and competition committee led by Tiger Woods hold influence over suspension decisions, reportedly aligned with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka.
Update: As expected, Koepka was reinstated Monday evening and will play the Farmers Insurance Open later this month at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This was made possible by the \”Returning Member Program,\” a new rule allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent accomplishments, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key in this decision.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this is a one-time opportunity valid through February 2, emphasizing it is not precedent-setting. This move may influence players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and adds uncertainty at LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties for leaving LIV are mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains intact for the fifth season. However, no contract extension was announced, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements