First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for another run, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will stay connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he lacked at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because injuries threatened to end his career early, and he sought a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain about contract payments and whether he remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations abound on which tour Koepka will appear next. He could be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, likely for a penalty fee, or return to the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans. Anyone returning from LIV, especially a star like Koepka, benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand. This question seems partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
Update: It happened as expected. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly 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. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This became possible through the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” announced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, including the 2023 PGA Championship as a fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour statement notes that this special rule applies to major and Players champions from the last three years. The application deadline is February 2. \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and does not set a precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this door closes, there is no guarantee this path will be available again.\” This is likely to concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and cause unease at LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to the PGA Tour charity fund, 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 has officially confirmed he will play in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains unchanged for the fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has