First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh.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 will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s statement. However, Koepka, known as a competitive type who thrives in high-level contests, had limited motivation playing for LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Questions remain about his contract termination and his continued ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will compete on next — the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension was imposed following his last LIV appearance. This suspension was softened from a lifetime ban previously enforced. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season and the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible to play in 2027, a perfect timing matching the PGA Tour’s new schedule with around two dozen $20 million events featuring limited and highly competitive fields. Jon Rahm recently expressed his belief that Koepka will return, likely starting with his preferred major tournaments. Rory McIlroy has also advocated for Koepka’s immediate reentry, which the PGA Tour’s competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, may consider.
Update: The news quickly spread Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour and will participate in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January, as well as the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the newly established \”Returning Member Program\”, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship victory, were decisive.
The PGA Tour states that this one-time opportunity applies to major champions and Players winners from the last three years, expiring February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp noted it sets no precedent, and once the window closes, no guarantee exists that this option will recur. This development may concern other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
Koepka’s penalties for joining LIV are mild; he must contribute $5 million to PGA Tour charity, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus program, and barred from PGA Tour Enterprises’ equity program for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in LIV Golf in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, remains intact for the fifth season. However, no general contract extension has been announced, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations