First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka, the five-time major winner, has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh, stating he needs more family time but will remain connected to LIV. The official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil claimed a friendly agreement; however, Koepka, known for his competitive spirit at the highest level, had limited motivation in LIV. Originally, he joined LIV in 2022 fearing an early end to his career due to injuries and to secure a retirement fund. Questions remain about whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary and if he still owns his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation swirls about where Koepka will next compete — on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year ban since his last LIV event. This ban was downgraded from a lifetime ban imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Returning LIV players, especially high-profile ones, now benefit the PGA Tour, which holds more leverage. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, previously not renewed after 2022.
Update: It has happened: 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. He is also confirmed to play at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is made possible by the new \”Returning Member Program\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without a ban. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, including his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were taken into account.
The PGA Tour states this special rule applies to major winners and Players Championship winners of the past three years and expires on February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp noted this is a one-time, well-defined opportunity and does not set a precedent. This likely impacts other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and causes unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for leaving LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus, and a five-year ban from the PGA Tour’s equity program backed by investors.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue into the fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leading to speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements following Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
In a surprising move