First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh strives for a comeback, Charley Hull to launch on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level competition, something he felt was limited at LIV. Having switched to LIV in 2022 amid injury concerns and to secure his retirement fund, it is not surprising he opts out of the final contractual year, though questions remain about possible buyouts or salary repayments. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations abound about where Koepka will compete next: DP World Tour, where he would likely be eligible immediately (possibly with a penalty), or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after lifetime bans were significantly reduced. The key question seems partly answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Any potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields—perfect timing for his return. This move would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, who would welcome another major star.
Jon Rahm recently said on the podcast ‘Subpar’ that Koepka may need time but is expected back on the PGA Tour, likely playing at least minimally, including big tournaments he favors. The players’ board, including Tiger Woods’ competition committee, reportedly support easing his suspension, aligned with Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately.
Update: It happened as predicted. News spread Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona confirmed. This is enabled by the recently created ‘Returning Member Program’ authorizing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s honor includes his 2023 PGA Championship win as fifth major. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this opportunity is a one-time, well-defined chance ending February 2, not setting a precedent. This impacts other LIV stars and ruffles feathers within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is moderate: 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 backed by investor capital.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in