First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon launching 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeill’s official statement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he only somewhat found in LIV. He switched in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns about continuing his career, seeking a good retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain regarding buyouts or salary repayments. Koepka also remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will compete on next. The DP World Tour would grant immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance after formerly lifetime bans from Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Yet, a grudging stance is unlikely as the return of prominent LIV players benefits the established Tour. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
An eventual suspension would end by August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the new PGA schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields, ideal for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another big name. Jon Rahm recently said in the ‘Subpar’ podcast that Koepka might slowly return, playing big events he prefers. The PGA board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee may overlook penalties following Rory McIlroy’s support for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It happened just as anticipated. On Monday evening local time, news spread quickly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour with confirmed entries at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. This was enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to resume membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship, fulfilled the criteria. The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies only to major winners and Players champions from the last three years and expires February 2, emphasizing it is a one-time opportunity and not a precedent. This development likely unsettles Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes unease within LIV Golf. Koepka’s penalty for switching leagues is mild: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and five years removal from PGA Tour Enterprises equity plans.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III