First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh eager to return; Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has announced that he will not compete in the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion plans to remain connected to LIV but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil stated this agreement was amicable. However, Koepka, known for thriving in top-level competition, seemed less motivated during his LIV stint. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries and to secure a good retirement income. Questions remain about the terms of his departure and his ownership status of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation swirls on which tour Koepka will next appear. He is immediately eligible to play on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following a reduction of the previous lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Recently, ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach confirmed Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after 2022, aiming to return to regular competition.
An anticipated suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). This timing suits Koepka’s preference, as he could join the PGA Tour in 2027 under the revamped schedule of about two dozen $20 million tournaments with exclusive fields. Top investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another star like him.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, possibly playing selectively the events he prefers, including majors. PGA Tour leadership, supported by player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may waive penalties following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened exactly as predicted. Monday evening news spread that Koepka regained PGA Tour eligibility immediately and will play the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This was enabled by the recent “Returning Member Program” allowing select LIV players reinstatement without suspension. Koepka’s achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players winners from the last three years until February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp clarified this is a one-time opportunity with no guarantee of future repetition, a development that may concern players like Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith as well as LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty is moderate: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus program, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour’s equity program associated with PGA Tour Enterprises investments.
DeChambeau Confirmed for LIV in 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participation in the 2026 LIV Golf season. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul