First start at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives on top-level challenges, was less motivated at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his last contracted season is not surprising, though questions remain: Did he have to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old remain an owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has already named Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next compete. At the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately—possibly paying a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans significantly? Why be vindictive when any LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the already stronger Tour? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which had not been renewed since 2022, and be reinstated as a player.
Update: It happened just like that. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at January’s end. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\”—a new rule introduced last Thursday allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win as his fifth major, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special regulation applies to major winners and Players Championship victors from the past three years, with a deadline of February 2. \”This one-time, clearly defined opportunity does not set precedent for future cases,\” said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. \”Once this door closes, there is no guarantee it will open again.\” This surely gives players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith pause and causes discomfort within LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million charity donation to the PGA Tour, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and a five-year exclusion from the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program funded by investor deposits.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will play in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team—Charles Howell III, Paul Casey