First start already at the Farmers; Vijay Singh is back, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The latest from the golf world.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was amicably agreed upon, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, although Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, has shown limited enthusiasm for LIV. Koepka initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a good retirement fund. Questions remain whether he had to buy out his contract or return part of his guaranteed money. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about which tours Koepka will compete on next—DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, or PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, though life bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been softened. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka has formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership after not renewing since 2022.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible for the 2027 season, which features a compressed schedule of nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited strong fields—a perfect time for his return. This move would also please PGA Tour Enterprises investors.
Jon Rahm recently expressed belief that Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, likely playing select preferred big events. The player director board and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence on suspensions and reportedly support Koepka’s reinstatement, per Rory McIlroy’s recommendation.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and scheduled to debut at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines, with confirmed participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is due to the new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to reinstate membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent major-winning merits, particularly his 2023 PGA Championship, were considered. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp called this a unique opportunity, not setting precedent, ending February 2. This decision affects players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and causes disquiet in LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalty includes a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from FedEx Cup bonuses in 2026, and exclusion from PGA Tour Enterprises’ revenue-sharing for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in LIV Golf League 2026 with his Crushers team featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri continuing into their fifth season. No general contract extension was announced, prompting speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain the league’s top marketable player after Koepka’s departure.