First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, something he only partly found at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and the desire to secure his retirement fund, his skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or repay part of his guaranteed salary. It is unclear if he remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation mounts about which tour Koepka will next appear on. The DP World Tour could offer immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, whereas the PGA Tour could impose a one-year suspension following his last LIV appearance, although lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan have since been softened. Why be vindictive when accepting LIV returnees benefits the PGA Tour, which holds the leverage? This key question appears partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed since 2022.
Any potential ban would expire in August. Although the 2026 season ends with the Tour Championship from August 27-30, Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule compressing nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields. This is a perfect comeback moment, fitting Koepka’s style. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, likely behind the new top league, would welcome such a star.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return on the \”Subpar\” podcast, suggesting he will play minimally and select the tournaments he likes, especially majors. The player board and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions, and Rory McIlroy recommended Koepka be allowed to play immediately upon return. A majority of fans seems to agree, according to a non-representative survey by Bunkered magazine.
Update: \”And perhaps the five-time major winner would get some leniency in Ponte Vedra Beach\” – that indeed happened. News spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona is also confirmed. This was made possible by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
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