First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka, a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, was less motivated in LIV golf. He joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season is therefore not surprising, though questions remain about financial details and his continued ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about where Koepka will next play. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly paying a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension from the last LIV event would apply, though lifetime bans enforced by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. It makes no sense to be retaliatory when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the PGA Tour. This key question now seems partially answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, seeking re-entry into the player group.
An eventual suspension would expire in August, by which time the 2026 season will end with the Tour Championship from August 27 to 30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, top-tier fields — the perfect timing for re-entry. Investors with PGA Tour Enterprises, likely the new top league operator, would welcome another big name.
\”He may need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones? If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he’ll play those too.\” Many fans also seem supportive, as non-representative polls by Bunkered magazine indicate, and recommendations from Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods’ competition committee suggest Koepka be allowed to play immediately.
Update: \”And perhaps at Ponte Vedra Beach a five-time major winner’s suspension might be waived\” — as it happened. News spread quickly that Koepka is now immediately eligible and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines, with his participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale also confirmed. This was enabled by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team,