First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for a comeback, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion intends to remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level challenges, showed limited motivation at LIV. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and pensioning off with a solid retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out or return part of his guaranteed pay and if he still owns his LIV team, Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next compete—on the DP World Tour, where he could be eligible immediately, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event. The suspension was reduced from a lifetime ban originally imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Insider ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach revealed Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, which had lapsed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 PGA Tour season at the Tour Championship. Koepka could then play in 2027’s revamped PGA Tour schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields—an ideal return opportunity fitting his preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would also welcome such a marquee name. Jon Rahm expressed confidence on the “Subpar” podcast that Koepka would return, playing at least selected big tournaments. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over suspension decisions, with Rory McIlroy endorsing Koepka’s immediate eligibility.
Update: On Monday evening local time, it was announced that Koepka is immediately eligible on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. This was enabled by the newly created “Returning Member Program,” permitting select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting achievements, notably his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors.
The PGA Tour stated the special rule applies only to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years and expires on February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized it’s a one-time opportunity with no guarantee of recurrence, raising questions among LIV Golf stars like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith. Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity funds, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and will not participate in the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf’s 2026 season with his Crushers team alongside Charles Howell III, Paul Casey