First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka officially opted out of 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 reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he only partially found in LIV. He switched to the Saudi-backed tour in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and the desire to secure a substantial retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain. Did he have to buy out his contract or reimburse part of his guaranteed paycheck? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain?
Speculation is rife about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play, possibly for a fine? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan reduced lifetime bans significantly? Why be vindictive when every LIV returnee—especially a high-profile one—benefits the longer-established tour? This key question seems partially answered. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which lapsed after 2022, to rejoin the player ranks.
A possible suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship. Koepka would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour debuts a new schedule compressing nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited, elite fields—a perfect comeback opportunity fitting Koepka’s style. This would also appeal to PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely backing the new top league, who would welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently expressed belief that Koepka will return, likely playing a minimum schedule and big events he prefers. Additionally, the PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspension decisions. Rory McIlroy supports Koepka’s immediate return, and a majority of fans agree, as indicated by a Bunkered survey.
Update: The prediction came true: news quickly spread that Koepka is immediately eligible to compete on the PGA Tour, starting with the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines, and also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona. This was enabled by a new “Returning Member Program” allowing certain LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed competing in LIV Golf’s 2026 season. His Crushers team—Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri—will continue into the fifth season. Interestingly, no overall contract extension was announced. Behind-the-scenes arrangements may be underway to retain him as the league’s