First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026, which starts on February 7th in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to an official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something LIV did not fully provide. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily for financial security due to injuries threatening his career’s end. Questions remain around whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed payout, or if he remains an owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next – the DP World Tour where he could be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension due to his last LIV appearance, following significant easing of the former lifetime ban. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the playing field.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season, but making him eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields – an ideal time for Koepka’s return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another top-tier name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed optimism on the ‘Subpar’ podcast, predicting Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing at least the minimum events and the big tournaments he prefers. The player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, who influence suspensions, may follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate return.
Update: It happened as expected: news spread quickly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, with confirmed starts at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, and the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The ‘Returning Member Program,’ introduced last Thursday, allows selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without penalty. Koepka’s sporting merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key to this decision. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called it a one-time, clearly defined opportunity ending February 2nd, not setting a precedent. This may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and unsettle LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s price for defecting to LIV is mild: a $5 million donation to the PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and suspension from the five-year capital participation program of PGA Tour Enterprises.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers