First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh making a comeback, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel 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As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected with the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was officially stated by LIV CEO Scott McNeil, though skepticism remains. Koepka is known to be highly motivated by top-level competition, something he scarcely found at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 due to injury concerns and to secure a lucrative retirement fund. His decision to skip the final contracted season raises questions about possible buyouts or partial repayments. He also remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, which recently named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation is rife about which tours Koepka will play on next: the DP World Tour where he would be eligible immediately, possibly facing a penalty, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance. Previously imposed lifetime bans by former commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly relaxed. Returning to PGA Tour makes sense, especially for high-profile players like Koepka, who strengthen the Tour’s appeal. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership and be readmitted to the players’ circle.
An eventual suspension would end in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, aligning with the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring about two dozen $20 million tournaments with the best fields possible—ideal timing for his comeback. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would certainly welcome another big name.
Jon Rahm recently 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 big tournaments he likes. If he qualifies or gets invitations, he’d play those as well.\” Influential voices, including Rory McIlroy, support Koepka’s immediate return, and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee along with player directors have influence over suspension decisions. A majority of fans also seem supportive, according to an informal \”Bunkered\” magazine poll.
Update: \”And perhaps the five-time major champion will be given some leeway in Ponte Vedra Beach\” — exactly that has happened. News spread quickly that Koepka is reinstated for the PGA Tour immediately and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines, with confirmed participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.
This was made possible by a new \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri remains unchanged going into the fifth season. Interestingly