First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for more, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will remain connected with the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was a friendly agreement according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level tournaments and motivation, which he found somewhat lacking at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury doubts and to secure retirement funds, his skipping the contractually last season is unsurprising, though questions remain whether he had to buy out or repay guaranteed earnings. Also unclear is whether the 35-year-old remains co-owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation abounds about where Koepka will next appear: the DP World Tour, where he could play immediately, possibly with a penalty fee? Or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV event after former commissioner Jay Monahan softened lifetime bans? The essential question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking reinstatement.
Any possible suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale Tour Championship from August 27-30. This timing suits Koepka’s taste for a 2027 PGA return, aligning with the new schedule packed with nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would welcome another marquee name.
“He might need some time, but I think he’ll come back to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. “He’ll probably at least play the minimum events, the big ones he likes. If he qualifies or is invited to high-profile tournaments, he’d play those too.” Notably, there may be leniency for the five-time major winner by the PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka’s return immediately. This also aligns with fan sentiment, according to a non-scientific \”Bunkered\” magazine poll.
Update: As speculated, Koepka has been reinstated to play immediately on the PGA Tour and is set for the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is confirmed. This was made possible by the new “Returning Member Program” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Golf Start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the LIV Golf League for 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will compete unchanged for their fifth season. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension,