First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh aiming for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This amicable agreement was stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level contests, something he found somewhat lacking at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, skipping the final contractual season isn’t surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. Koepka remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds on where Koepka will next compete—whether on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, though lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly reduced. Why hold grudges when every returning LIV player benefits the established tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership.
Update: \”And perhaps the five-time major champ will get a break in Ponte Vedra Beach\”—that happened. News spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour, starting at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with the WM Phoenix Open also confirmed. This is enabled by a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin PGA Tour without suspension.
An eventual suspension would have expired by August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale Tour Championship (August 27–30). Koepka would be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour debuts a condensed schedule of about two dozen $20 million events with limited top fields, an ideal comeback moment. Investors at PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another big name.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, likely his favorite big events. If he qualifies for or is invited to big events, he’ll play those too.\” The decision involves the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, also backed by Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately. A majority of fans seem in favor, per Bunkered magazine’s non-representative poll.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially announced he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains unchanged going into their fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, leading to speculation on the behind-the-scenes deals to retain him after Koepka’s departure.