First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready for a comeback, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka, the five-time major champion, has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh. According to LIV CEO Scott McNeil, Koepka and the league have mutually agreed that Koepka will focus more on family, despite staying connected to the competitive circuit. Known as a fierce competitor who thrives in high-level contests, Koepka’s motivation at LIV was limited. His move to LIV Golf in 2022 was seen largely as a financial retirement strategy due to injury concerns. Questions remain about the terms of his departure, including any financial settlements and his continuing ownership of the LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation is rife about Koepka’s next playing venues. While immediately eligible to play on the DP World Tour, likely with a penalty, PGA Tour rules impose a one-year suspension since his last LIV event, although the lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan have been significantly softened. Recognition that allowing LIV returnees, especially high-profile players, to rejoin the PGA Tour benefits the established circuit appears to be gaining ground. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reinstate his PGA Tour membership, seeking to rejoin the player pool after leaving in 2022.
A suspension would end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship from August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible to compete beginning in 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring around two dozen $20 million events with limited, highly competitive fields—an ideal comeback setting for Koepka. This prospect is also favorable for PGA Tour Enterprises investors, who are backing the new top-level league and welcome another marquee name.
Jon Rahm recently commented on the podcast \”Subpar\” that Koepka might ease back in by playing a minimal schedule focused on big events, but once eligible, he would likely compete regularly in top tournaments. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee reportedly hold influence over suspension decisions and seem inclined, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement, to allow Koepka back immediately. A non-representative fan poll by \”Bunkered\” supports this majority sentiment.
Update: It has happened as anticipated: Koepka is immediately cleared to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed. This was made possible by a newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf start in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau has officially confirmed he will compete in the 2026 LIV Golf season. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue unchanged into their fifth season. However, DeChambeau has not