First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League season 2026, starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains linked to the rival circuit but needs more family time. LIV CEO Scott McNeil officially states the decision was amicable. Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives on high-level competition — something he somewhat lacked at LIV. In 2022, he mainly joined LIV due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contractual season is unsurprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayment of guaranteed fees. Koepka remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation abounds on where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour offers immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, while the PGA Tour imposed a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, reduced from a lifetime ban previously enforced by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. This partial answer comes as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for 2027, just as the PGA Tour unveils a new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20-million tournaments with limited prime fields — a perfect reentry timing for the Florida powerhouse. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would certainly welcome another major name.
Jon Rahm recently remarked on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might need time but expected him to return to the PGA Tour, likely playing select events he prefers, including majors. With input from Tiger Woods’ competition committee and player directors, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement, Koepka might see his suspension lifted.
Update: The news broke Monday evening local time that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and set to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is confirmed.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\” established the prior Thursday, allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent PGA Championship win in 2023 was key in this consideration. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called this a one-time opportunity ending February 2, not setting a precedent. The move sends signals to Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, unsettling the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty includes a $5 million donation to the PGA Tour charity fund and disqualification from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and five years from PGA Tour Enterprises’ equity program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his LIV Golf League participation in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and