First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will stay affiliated with the competing circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries and concerns about ending his career early, aiming to secure a substantial retirement fund. His waiver of the final contractual season raises questions about possible buyouts or repayments. Meanwhile, he remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about which tour Koepka will join next. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, potentially with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he currently serves a one-year suspension following his last LIV event after previous lifetime bans were softened. Returning to the PGA Tour benefits both Koepka and the organization. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool.
His suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season, featuring a condensed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields—a prime moment for his return. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another major star.
Jon Rahm recently suggested on the ‘Subpar’ podcast that Koepka is likely to return to the PGA Tour, playing select preferred tournaments and major events. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and competition committee led by Tiger Woods may overlook the suspension for Koepka, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement to reinstate him immediately.
Update: Koepka has officially regained immediate eligibility to play on the PGA Tour and will participate in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January, with the Phoenix Open confirmed as well. This is enabled by the newly introduced ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing select LIV players to rejoin the tour without suspension, considering Koepka’s recent major championship credentials, including the 2023 PGA Championship. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized this opportunity is one-time and does not set a precedent.
Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and is barred for five years from the PGA Tour’s equity program with investors.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf season with his Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey