First appearance already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returning, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, as stated in a friendly agreement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he barely found at LIV. He primarily moved there in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Questions remain about financial details and his ownership status of the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculations about where Koepka will compete next are rife, whether DP World Tour where he could play immediately, possibly paying a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year ban after his last LIV event. This ban was softened from a lifetime suspension by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Reports from ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach indicate Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks.
Any potential suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season. Koepka would be eligible to compete in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited fields—a perfect timing for his return. PGA Tour investors would likely welcome his presence in the new league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence that Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, possibly playing a minimum schedule and major events he prefers. The PGA Tour’s competition committee, led by Tiger Woods, and player directors have influence on suspensions, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka be allowed back immediately.
Update: The news quickly spread Monday evening that Koepka is reinstated on the PGA Tour effective immediately, set to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
This is enabled by the recent \”Returning Member Program\”, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without serving a suspension—considering Koepka’s sporting merits including his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players winners in the past three years, ending February 2, calling it a one-time, clearly defined opportunity with no precedents for future cases. CEO Brian Rolapp said there are no guarantees this path will reopen.
Koepka’s penalty for LIV participation is mild: a $5 million donation to the PGA Tour charity fund; exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and the PGA Tour’s capital participation program for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed competing in LIV Golf in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter