First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh returns; Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known for his competitive drive at the highest level, was less motivated in LIV Golf. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Therefore, his skipping the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or partial refunds. Meanwhile, Koepka remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation arises about where Koepka will play next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would face a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after the former commissioner Jay Monahan softened the initial lifetime bans. It seems the question is partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, previously not renewed after 2022.
Any potential suspension would end by August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its compressed schedule featuring about two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited elite fields—a perfect setting for his comeback. Investors in PGA Tour Enterprises would welcome another top name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, expecting him to play selectively, especially major events. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competitions committee reportedly considered his five recent major wins and recommended allowing his return, possibly waiving suspension.
Update: It happened as anticipated: Koepka is reinstated immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the new \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship, were key considerations. The policy applies to major and Players champions over the last three years and expires February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called this a one-time opportunity with no guarantee of recurrence, signaling a significant shift affecting other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith.
His penalty for joining LIV Golf is relatively mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year ban from PGA Tour Enterprises’ equity program backed by investors.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed