First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching her YouTube channel 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was a friendly agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found somewhat limited in LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury-related career concerns and to secure a comfortable retirement fund, it is not surprising he forgoes the final contracted season. Questions remain, though: Did he buy out or refund part of his guaranteed pay? Does the 35-year-old remain owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain?
Speculation revolves around where Koepka will next tee off. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible—likely after a penalty payment? Or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, given that former Commissioner Jay Monahan’s lifetime bans were significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every returning LIV player, especially a high-profile one, benefits the already more powerful Tour? Recent reports from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach state Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which wasn’t extended after 2022, to regain playing rights.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the PGA Tour Championship (August 27-30). He would be eligible for the 2027 season, perfect timing for a comeback aligned with Koepka’s competitive nature. This would also please investors in PGA Tour Enterprises, expected to run the new elite league featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited fields and top players.
\”He may 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, why not the majors or big events he likes? If he qualifies for those, he’ll compete in them.\” Plus, there’s hope the PGA Tour will ease his suspension due to his status as a five-time major champion. The decision involves the board, player directors, and the competition committee led by Tiger Woods, and follows Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka immediate play. Moreover, a majority of fans apparently support this, per a non-representative survey by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
Update: The expectation became reality: Koepka is now officially eligible to play on the PGA Tour immediately and is confirmed to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, as well as the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. This was enabled by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms 2026 LIV Golf Participation
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League in