First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh is returning, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to an amicable agreement per LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitive player who thrives in high-level competitions, something LIV did not fully provide. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly because of injury doubts and to secure a good retirement fund. Questions remain about financial details and his continued ownership of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will play next—DP World Tour, where he’d be eligible immediately likely with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV start, after lifetime bans were softened. The key question seems partly answered: ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour launches a new schedule focused on nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, elite fields—perfect timing according to him. This is also welcome news for investors behind PGA Tour Enterprises.
Jon Rahm recently expressed belief that Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing minimum events including majors, and possibly more if qualifying. The suspension decision involves the board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee—Rory McIlroy has endorsed Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It has happened: Monday evening local time news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, with Phoenix Open participation also confirmed.
This is made possible by the recently created \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent achievements, including the 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors.
The PGA Tour states the special rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years, ending February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp calls it a one-time, clearly defined opportunity without precedent for future cases, a message likely provoking thought among players and LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: a $5 million charity donation, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and a 5-year ban on PGA Tour Enterprises equity participation.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will play in LIV Golf in 2026 with his Crushers team alongside Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri entering their fifth season unchanged