First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to play again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was a mutual agreement, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives under high-level challenges, something he found limited at LIV. He initially joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund, so it is not surprising he foregoes the final contract year, though questions remain about buyouts or partial repayment. He remains owner of the LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculation surrounds which tour Koepka will appear on next. The DP World Tour would grant him immediate eligibility, potentially with a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV event, after previous lifetime bans were softened. The key question seems partially answered: ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ circle.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season with the Tour Championship from August 27-30. This timing suits Koepka perfectly for a 2027 return when the PGA Tour launches its revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with top-tier limited fields — an ideal comeback scenario for the star. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome the addition of such a prominent name.
Jon Rahm recently shared on the “Subpar” podcast that Koepka might ease back by playing minimum events, focusing on major and preferred tournaments, possibly participating more if qualified or invited. The PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee reportedly support waiving his suspension, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for Koepka’s immediate return. Fans also largely back this, according to a non-representative poll by \”Bunkered\” magazine.
Update: Just as hoped, Koepka has been reinstated immediately to PGA Tour eligibility and plans to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines at the end of January. He is also confirmed for the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. This is enabled by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing select LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will play in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue into their fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain the league’s most marketable figure following Koepka’s departure.