First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, Koepka, known for his competitive spirit at the highest level, was less motivated playing in LIV. He initially joined the Saudi-backed tour in 2022 due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a good retirement fund. Thus, his forgoing the last contractual playing year is not surprising, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed pay. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation abounds regarding which fairways Koepka will appear on next. Will he play immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly paying a penalty? Or on the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, as previous lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened? Why be vindictive when every prominent LIV returnee benefits the established tour? According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his membership with the PGA Tour and rejoin the players’ circle after his membership was not extended in 2022.
Update: The news spread rapidly Monday evening that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This is made possible by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s sporting merits were considered, especially his 2023 PGA Championship as his fifth major.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the last three years, with a deadline of February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp commented, \”This is a one-time, clearly defined opportunity and not a precedent for future situations. Once this door closes, there is no guarantee it will reopen.\” This may cause concern for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, and unease within LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalty for joining LIV is mild: he must donate five million dollars to the PGA Tour charity fund and is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and the PGA Tour Enterprises equity program for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start For 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains unchanged for the fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain LIV