First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh still eager, Charley Hull to launch YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he only partially found in LIV. He had joined LIV in 2022 primarily because injury had threatened to end his career, and he wanted a solid retirement fund. His choice to skip the last contractual season is therefore unsurprising, though questions remain about buyouts or guarantees repayment. He still owns his LIV team, Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch captain.
Speculations abound about which fairways Koepka will appear on next — possibly the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, maybe with a penalty; or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after lifelong bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. Given that LIV returnees, especially prominent ones, ultimately benefit the stronger PGA Tour, the key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, not renewed since 2022, aiming to rejoin the playing field.
Update: The speculation proved accurate. News quickly spread 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 was enabled by the newly introduced ‘Returning Member Program,’ allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without serving suspensions.
A possible suspension would have ended in August, coinciding with the 2026 season closing with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule compressing around two dozen $20 million events featuring limited, top-tier fields; an ideal timing for his comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league’s operator, would welcome such a marquee name.
\”He might need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the ‘Subpar’ podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, maybe the tournaments he likes—the big ones. If he qualifies or can participate in high-profile events, he would play those too.\” Moreover, the Tiger Woods-led competition committee and player directors have input on suspensions. Following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately, there is likely leniency. A majority of fans share this view, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” poll.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III