First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka announced his withdrawal from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited at LIV. Primarily, he joined LIV in 2022 to secure his retirement fund amid injury concerns. The waiver of his final contractual season raises questions: Did he buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed fee? Does he remain owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch?
Speculation follows about where Koepka will compete next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly after a penalty payment, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, now significantly softened from previous lifetime bans. The key question of his return seems partially answered; ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ pool.
His suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season’s Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, when PGA Tour’s condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited, top-tier fields kicks in – ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a prominent name.
Jon Rahm recently suggested on the \”Subpar\” podcast that Koepka might return gradually, playing preferred major events and high-profile tournaments upon qualification. The PGA Tour board, including player directors and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, may overlook his suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to let Koepka play. Fans largely agree, per a \”Bunkered\” magazine survey.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will debut at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona also confirmed. This became possible through a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will continue unchanged into its fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV’s most marketable player after Koepka’s departure.