First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to compete again, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitor who thrives in high-level competition, was not fully motivated in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Thus, skipping the last contract year is not surprising, although questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. Koepka, 35, remains an owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation grows about where Koepka will next compete. The DP World Tour would allow immediate eligibility, possibly with a penalty, or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV event, reduced significantly from the lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee helps the stronger PGA Tour? ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player pool after not renewing in 2022.
A potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible in 2027 when the PGA Tour introduces a new condensed schedule with nearly two dozen $20 million events featuring limited fields. It would be ideal for his comeback, appealing also to PGA Tour Enterprises investors. Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence Koepka would return, likely playing minimum events initially, focusing on majors and high-profile tournaments. Rory McIlroy recommends lifting Koepka’s suspension promptly, and Tiger Woods’ competition committee has influence on this decision.
Update: Koepka is now immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and plans to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation in the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This is enabled by the newly created \”Returning Member Program,\” allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s five-time major champions merit, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were key factors. The PGA Tour states this special provision applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years and expires February 2. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp highlights this as a one-time opportunity, not a precedent. This development unsettles other LIV stars and the LIV Golf League.
Koepka’s penalties are mild: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus system, and exclusion from PGA Tour capital share programs for five years.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey,