First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on top-level sport, something he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injuries jeopardizing his career, seeking a solid retirement fund. His opting out of the final contracted season raises questions about possible buyouts or partial repayments. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation continues on which fairways Koepka will soon appear. The DP World Tour could immediately grant him playing rights, possibly for a penalty payment, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, following reductions of lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee benefits the longer-established tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which he did not renew after 2022.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season after the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s condensed schedule with nearly two dozen 20-million-dollar events and limited elite fields—a perfect comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would likely welcome such a marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed belief that Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, probably playing a minimum and major tournaments he prefers. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and competition committee led by Tiger Woods, influenced by Rory McIlroy’s recommendation, may overlook the suspension for this five-time major champion.
Update: Koepka’s PGA Tour eligibility was reinstated Monday evening and he will compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines and the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This is enabled by the newly created ‘Returning Member Program’, allowing select LIV players to resume PGA membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key. The PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp stated this opportunity is one-time and not precedent-setting, closing February 2. This development impacts players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes unease in LIV Golf. Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity and is excluded from 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and the five-year investment-based capital program.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf season. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, continues into the fifth season. However, no general