First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh also making a comeback, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, known as a competitor who thrives on high-level challenges, was less motivated during his LIV stint and had switched to LIV in 2022 primarily due to injuries and to secure a substantial retirement fund. Questions remain about his exit, including whether he had to buy out his contract or repay part of his guaranteed earnings. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation rises about where Koepka will compete next — whether on the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, despite significant reductions of previously lifetime bans. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing post-2022 to rejoin the player ranks.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. This sets up a 2027 return aligned with the PGA Tour’s revamped schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events and limited fields, ideal for Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome this high-profile name. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence that Koepka will return, suggesting he might play selectively in major events. Influential voices including Rory McIlroy advocate for his reinstatement with no suspension.
Update: It happened as anticipated. On Monday evening local time, news spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January in Torrey Pines. Participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed.
This is possible due to the newly created ‘Returning Member Program,’ which permits select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s notable accomplishments, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory, were considered.
The PGA Tour states that the special rule applies to major champions and Players winners of the past three years and expires February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp noted this is a one-time opportunity and not a precedent. This decision impacts prominent players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing unease in LIV Golf.
Koepka must donate $5 million to PGA Tour charity funds, is excluded from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system and the five-year capital participation program linked to PGA Tour Enterprises.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League season, with his Crushers team featuring Charles