First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for his family. This amicable agreement was stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on the highest level of competition, which he rarely found in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping his last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain regarding any buyout or repayment of guaranteed money. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch appointed as the new captain.
Speculation is growing where Koepka will next appear — the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, likely with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV event. Former lifetime bans by ex-Commissioner Jay Monahan were softened. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership last Friday.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. The PGA Tour will introduce a condensed schedule of roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields in 2027 — an ideal time for Koepka’s comeback. This return would also please PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors seeking marquee names.
Jon Rahm said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably play at least the minimum, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or is invited to big events, he would play those too.\” The Tiger Woods-led competition committee and player directors, considering Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately, hold sway over suspension decisions. A majority of fans reportedly agree, based on a non-representative \”Bunkered\” poll.
Update: The speculation was confirmed: Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed to compete at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. A new \”Returning Member Program\” allows selected LIV players to rejoin PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf League season. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will remain intact for their fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements after losing Koepka. More details are expected soon.