First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in high-level competition, which he felt only limitedly with LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 largely because he feared his career was ending due to injury and wanted to secure a comfortable retirement fund. So, neglecting the final contractually required playing season is not surprising, although questions remain about financial settlements and ownership of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations are rife about where Koepka will next appear: on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, possibly paying a penalty; or on the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after the former commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were softened. Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a star, benefits the already dominant Tour? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, to be reinstated as a player.
Update: The news quickly spread Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour again and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This is enabled by a newly created rule called the \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to resume their PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting achievements, especially his 2023 PGA Championship fifth major, were considered for this exception.
The PGA Tour stated that this special rule applies to major winners and Players champions from the past three years, with a deadline on February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future situations,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. This likely affects Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing unease within LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild. He must donate five million dollars to the PGA Tour charity fund, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and banned for five years from the PGA Tour Enterprises capital participation program funded by investor contributions.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will play in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will remain unchanged for the fifth season. Interestingly, BDC has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation about