First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh returns, Charley Hull to launch on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season beginning February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for his family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. However, questions remain about Koepka’s future competitive schedule and contract details. Known as a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, Koepka’s motivation was limited in LIV Golf. He had joined LIV in 2022 largely due to injury concerns and financial security for retirement. The waiver of his final contracted season is not surprising, though questions about buyouts or guarantee repayments linger. He remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch now captain.
Speculation abounds about which fairways Koepka will appear on next—whether the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible (perhaps with a penalty), or the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension since his last LIV appearance, after former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened life bans. This critical question seems partially answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported that last Friday Koepka officially applied to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, to rejoin the playing field.
“Perhaps he needs some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,” recently said Jon Rahm on the podcast ‘Subpar’. “He will probably play at least the minimum and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gains entry to high-profile events, he will play those too.” It is also possible that the PGA Tour will show leniency for the five-time major winner. Besides the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee have a say in suspension matters and reportedly follow Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka immediately. A majority of fans seem to agree, according to a non-representative survey by ‘Bunkered’ magazine.
Update: It happened just as anticipated. News spread quickly that Koepka is reinstated immediately to the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This became possible through a newly introduced ‘Returning Member Program’ allowing selected LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League. His Crushers team, featuring Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, will continue into the fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau did not announce a general contract extension, leading to further speculation about behind-the-scenes agreements to retain the league’s most prominent and marketable player after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprising move: Vijay Singh, the three-time major